1. What is Drop Factor?

Drop factor is the number of drops (gtt) of IV fluid that equals one milliliter (mL) of the same fluid. It's a crucial measurement in intravenous therapy to calculate the flow rate of IV fluids.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the drop factor formula:

Where:

• \( gtt \) — Number of drops
• \( mL \) — Volume in milliliters

Explanation: The formula calculates how many drops make up one milliliter of IV fluid, which varies by administration set.

3. Importance of Drop Factor Calculation

Details: Knowing the drop factor is essential for accurate IV infusion rates. Different IV sets have different drop factors (e.g., 10, 15, 20, or 60 gtt/mL).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of drops and the corresponding volume in milliliters. Both values must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are common drop factors?
A: Common drop factors are 10 gtt/mL (macrodrip), 15 gtt/mL, 20 gtt/mL, and 60 gtt/mL (microdrip).

Q2: Why is drop factor important?
A: It's used to calculate IV flow rates (drops per minute) to ensure proper medication administration.

Q3: How do I know which drop factor to use?
A: The drop factor is usually printed on the IV tubing package. Always check the manufacturer's specifications.

Q4: Does drop factor vary by fluid type?
A: The drop factor is determined by the IV set, not the fluid. However, viscosity can affect actual drop size.

Q5: Can I use this for pediatric IV calculations?
A: Yes, but pediatric infusions often use microdrip sets (60 gtt/mL) for greater precision.