Every nurse should master the drip factor formula to deliver IV fluids safely and accurately because even the slightest mistakes can lead to serious patient complications. Calculating an IV drip is an important skill that every nurse should learn. In this blog, we will give you step by step guide on how to calculate IV drips using the drop factor formula.
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Drop factor formula: How to calculate drip rate?
The drop factor, also known as the drip factor, is the number of drops (gtt) that make 1 mL of fluid. Nurses use the drop factor formula to calculate how many drops per minute(gtt/minute) are needed to safely administer the IV fluids to the patient.
Drop factor formula:
Drops per minute (gtt/min) = (Total volume (mL) × Drop factor (gtt/mL)) ÷ Time (minutes)
Drops per minute (DPM) = Infusion Rate (ml/hr) x Drop factor / 60
The key components of the drip rate formula are:
- Total volume (mL): Total amount of IV fluid prescribed to the patient, for example, 1000 mL over 8 hours.
- Drop factor (gtt/mL): It depends on the IV tubing and is given on that eg 10,15,20,60 gtt/mL.
- Time (in minutes): Total amount of IV infusion time converted into minutes, for example, 8 hours into 480 minutes.
Example of drip factor formula:
Here is an example calculation for the drip factor formula/ drop factor formula:
Patient needs 1000 mL of IV fluids in 8 hours using macro drip tubing (20gtt/mL)
Step-by-step drop factor calculation:
Step1: Convert hours into minutes:
8 x 60 = 480 minutes
Step 2: Now apply IV drip formula:
IV drip formula = (Total mL × Drop factor) ÷ Time (minutes)
gtt/min = 1000 x 20 ÷ 480
20,000 ÷ 480 = 41.6
Step 3: Set IV at 42 gtt/ min
What are the types of IV tubing?
IV tubing is the sterile line that delivers IV fluid from the IV bag to patients’ blood stream. Different types of IV tubing are:
- Macro drip tubing
- Micro drip tubing
Macro drip tubing
It is used when larger volumes of IV fluid are infused in patients, the fluid flows faster with fewer drops per minute.
Drop factor: 10,15,20 gtt/mL
Common use: Adult patients
Best for: Routine IV fluids, not precise but effective by delivering faster flow.
Micro drip tubing
This is used for precise dosing by producing smaller drops.
Drop factor: 60 gtt/mL
Common use: for critically ill patients, pediatric patients, and neonates.
Best for: Precise doses and controlled IV flow.
Important: mL/hr = gtt/min. This means 1 mL of fluid per hour = 1 gtt per minute.
Tips for accurate IV drip calculations
- Always check the drip factor on the tubing.
- Use a watch to count drops per minute.
- Round the nearest whole numbers.
- Use micro drip tubing for pediatric patients or critically ill patients.
What is gtt?
The gtt is the Latin for “guttae,” which means “drops,” which indicates the number of drops per liquid in IV. It is a unit of measurement for drops, which is important for accurate IV dosing.
Do nurses round IV drip rates?
Yes, nurses round the IV drip rates, for example, if it is 41.6gtt/min, then it is rounded to 42gtt/min.
Why drop factor formula/drip factor formula important for nurses?
It is important for nurses to understand the IV drip rate formula because it helps in the precise administration of IV fluids and prevents medication errors.
What happens if IV drip rate is incorrect?
If IV drip rate is incorrect, it can create complications such as fluid overload, dehydration, or delayed medication delivery.
What is IV drip computation?
IV drip computation means how fast an IV fluid should be administered to a patient.
What is the mnemonic to remember the drip factor/ drop factor formula?
The easy mnemonic to remember the drip factor formula is
“TV Will Make You Deaf Over Time”
TV= Total Volume (mL)
Deaf= Drop Factor (gtt/mL)
Over= Divided
Time= Hours converted into minutes
Conclusion
IV drip computation is an important skill for nurses to learn because it ensures that IV fluids and medications are administered safely to patients. Therefore, it is essential for nurses to understand the drop factor formula, also known as the drip factor formula. Not only that, but they should also know about the types of IV tubing to prevent medical errors.
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