Nursing

IV Infusion Rate & Gravity Drip Drop Factor (gtt/min) Calculator

Calculates electronic infusion pump rate (mL/hr) and gravity drip rate (drops/min or gtt/min).

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Parameters

IV Infusion Rate & Gravity Drip Drop Factor (gtt/min) Calculator Result

Formula

Hourly Infusion Rate (mL/hr) = Total Volume (mL) ÷ Infusion Time (Hours)
Gravity Drip Rate (gtt/min) = [Total Volume (mL) × Drop Factor (gtt/mL)] ÷ Total Time (Minutes)
Time Remaining (Hours) = Remaining Volume (mL) ÷ Hourly Rate (mL/hr)

Clinical Pearls

Universal nursing formula utilized at every bedside to ensure exact flow rates whether utilizing electronic smart pumps or field gravity drip sets.

Limitations

Gravity flow rates can fluctuate with patient limb positioning, bag height, and catheter patency, requiring periodic verification.