Enter the volume of the fluid to be infused, the time over which the infusion is to occur, and the drop factor of the IV set into the calculator to determine the flow rate in drops per minute (gtt/min).
Gtt/Min Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the flow rate in gtt/min.
FR = (V * DF) / (T * 60)
Variables:
- FR is the flow rate (gtt/min)
- V is the volume to be infused (mL)
- DF is the drop factor (gtt/mL)
- T is the time over which the infusion is to occur (hours)
To calculate the flow rate in gtt/min, multiply the volume to be infused by the drop factor, then divide by the time in minutes (time in hours multiplied by 60).
What is a Gtt/Min?
Gtt/min stands for drops per minute, which is a measure of the flow rate used in intravenous (IV) therapy to ensure that a patient receives the correct amount of fluid. The drop factor, also known as the drip factor, is specific to the IV set used and is measured in gtt/mL. It indicates the number of drops that make up one milliliter of fluid. This calculation is crucial for healthcare providers to administer the correct fluid volume within a specified time.
How to Calculate Flow Rate in Gtt/Min?
The following steps outline how to calculate the flow rate in gtt/min.
- First, determine the volume to be infused (V) in milliliters (mL).
- Next, determine the time over which the infusion is to occur (T) in hours.
- Next, determine the drop factor (DF) of the IV set in gtt/mL.
- Next, gather the formula from above = FR = (V * DF) / (T * 60).
- Finally, calculate the flow rate (FR) in drops per minute (gtt/min).
- 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 infused (V) = 1000 mL
Time over which the infusion is to occur (T) = 8 hours
Drop factor (DF) = 15 gtt/mL