IV drop rate without a pump

[chelynn]

Hoping someone will lend a hand. I'm orienting in a new ER and most of the time they don't use a pump. I know soon I will have to calculate the drip rate on my own. For instance if a dr orders NS 150ml /hr how many drips is that a min? not how many mls but how many DRIPS. I'm certain I remember something about a formula that has to do with counting drips to figure mls/hr. Also we always use standard tubing which I think is 20? Please help!

[chare]

You need to know the drop factor for the set that you are using. "Standard" or "macro" infusion sets can be are typically either 10, 15, or 20 gtts/mL. The drop factor will be annotated somewhere on the package.

Once you have determined the drop factor, you can use the following formula to determine drop per minute: volume to be infused x drop factor / time to be infused.

You can also use the following short cuts:

20 gtt/mL: hourly rate / 3

15 gtt/mL: hourly rate / 4

10 gtt/mL: hourly rate / 6

I hope this information is helpful.