Enter the volume, drop factor, and flow rate into the calculator to determine the drop time for an IV (intravenous) fluid administration. The drop time is the duration required to deliver a specific volume of fluid at a set flow rate.
Drop Time Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the drop time for an IV.
DT = (V / FR) * (60 / DF)
Variables:
- DT is the drop time (hours)
- V is the volume to be administered (mL)
- FR is the flow rate (mL/hr)
- DF is the drop factor (gtt/mL)
To calculate the drop time, divide the volume by the flow rate, then multiply the result by the ratio of 60 to the drop factor.
What is Drop Time?
Drop time is the time it takes for a volume of fluid to be delivered intravenously at a specified flow rate. It is a critical calculation in the medical field, particularly in nursing, to ensure that patients receive the correct amount of IV fluids in a safe and controlled manner. The drop time is influenced by the volume of fluid, the flow rate (speed of fluid delivery), and the drop factor (number of drops per mL for a particular IV set).
How to Calculate Drop Time?
The following steps outline how to calculate the drop time for an IV.
- First, determine the volume to be administered (V) in milliliters (mL).
- Next, determine the flow rate (FR) in milliliters per hour (mL/hr).
- Next, determine the drop factor (DF) in drops per milliliter (gtt/mL).
- Next, gather the formula from above = DT = (V / FR) * (60 / DF).
- Finally, calculate the drop time (DT) in hours.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Volume to be administered (V) = 500 mL
Flow rate (FR) = 20 mL/hr
Drop factor (DF) = 15 gtt/mL