What is the IV drip rate formula?
Drip rate (gtt/min) = volume (mL) x drop factor (gtt/mL) divided by time in minutes. For 1000 mL over 8 hours with 15 gtt/mL tubing: (1000 x 15) / 480 = 31 gtt/min.
Where do I find the drop factor?
It is printed on the IV tubing package. Macrodrip sets are usually 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL and microdrip sets are 60 gtt/mL. If your set is not in the list, choose Other and type the number from the package.
Why is the drip rate rounded to a whole number?
You count whole drops when you time a gravity infusion, so a part drop cannot be delivered. The calculator rounds to the nearest whole gtt/min after showing the exact figure.
What if the answer is less than 1 gtt/min?
A gravity set cannot be counted that slowly, so the rate is not usable. Use an infusion pump, or check whether the volume or the time was entered wrongly.