IV Rate of Administration Calculator
Calculate IV Infusion Rates and Drip Rates (gtt/min)
Calculated Administration Rates
Understanding IV Rate of Administration
In clinical settings, calculating the correct rate of administration for intravenous (IV) fluids and medications is a critical skill for patient safety. The "rate" generally refers to how much fluid the patient receives over a specific timeframe, usually measured in milliliters per hour (mL/hr) or drops per minute (gtt/min).
Essential Formulas for IV Calculation
There are two primary formulas used to determine administration rates:
- Flow Rate (mL/hr): Total Volume (mL) ÷ Total Time (hours)
- Drip Rate (gtt/min): [Total Volume (mL) × Drop Factor (gtt/mL)] ÷ Total Time (minutes)
What is a Drop Factor?
The drop factor is determined by the administration set being used. It represents the number of drops (gtt) required to deliver 1 mL of fluid. Common factors include:
- Macro-drip: 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL (typically used for adults).
- Micro-drip: 60 gtt/mL (typically used for pediatric or high-precision medications).
Step-by-Step Calculation Example
If a physician orders 1000 mL of Normal Saline to be infused over 8 hours using a tubing set with a drop factor of 20 gtt/mL, here is how you calculate the administration rate:
- Convert time to minutes: 8 hours × 60 minutes = 480 minutes.
- Calculate mL/hr: 1000 mL ÷ 8 hours = 125 mL/hr.
- Calculate gtt/min: (1000 mL × 20 gtt/mL) ÷ 480 minutes = 41.67 gtt/min (rounded to 42 gtt/min).
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always verify medical calculations with a colleague or according to hospital policy before administering medication to patients.