Iv Infusion Rate Calculation Formula Ml per Hour

Calculation Result:

Understanding the IV Infusion Rate Formula (mL/hr)

In clinical practice, calculating the correct intravenous (IV) flow rate is critical for patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. When using an infusion pump, the flow rate is measured in milliliters per hour (mL/hr).

The Standard Formula

Total Volume (mL) ÷ Time (hours) = Infusion Rate (mL/hr)

Step-by-Step Calculation Guide

1. Identify the Volume: Check the physician's order for the total amount of fluid to be administered (e.g., 1000 mL Normal Saline).
2. Identify the Time: Determine how long the infusion should last (e.g., over 8 hours).
3. Perform the Division: Divide the total volume by the total hours to get the hourly rate.

Real-World Examples

• Scenario A: A patient is ordered 500 mL of D5W to run over 4 hours.
  Calculation: 500 mL / 4 hours = 125 mL/hr.
• Scenario B: An order calls for 1 Liter (1000 mL) of Ringer's Lactate to be infused over 10 hours.
  Calculation: 1000 mL / 10 hours = 100 mL/hr.

Why Accuracy Matters

Incorrectly programmed infusion pumps can lead to fluid overload or sub-therapeutic dosing. Always double-check your math and verify the pump settings against the physician's original order. If the time is provided in minutes, convert it to hours by dividing by 60 before using the mL/hr formula.

function calculateInfusionRate() { var vol = document.getElementById("totalVolume").value; var time = document.getElementById("infusionTime").value; var resultDiv = document.getElementById("resultDisplay"); var rateOutput = document.getElementById("rateOutput"); var summary = document.getElementById("calculationSummary"); if (vol === "" || time === "" || vol <= 0 || time <= 0) { alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for both Volume and Time."); return; } var volNum = parseFloat(vol); var timeNum = parseFloat(time); var rate = volNum / timeNum; var roundedRate = Math.round(rate * 100) / 100; rateOutput.innerHTML = roundedRate + " mL/hr"; summary.innerHTML = "To deliver " + volNum + " mL over " + timeNum + " hours, set the infusion pump to " + roundedRate + " mL per hour."; resultDiv.style.display = "block"; resultDiv.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth' }); }