Gtt Per Minute Formula:
From: | To: |
Gtt per minute (drops per minute) is a measurement used in intravenous therapy to calculate the flow rate of IV fluids. It helps healthcare providers administer the correct amount of fluid or medication over a specific time period.
The calculator uses the following formula:
Where:
Details: Accurate calculation of gtt per minute is essential for proper medication administration, fluid replacement therapy, and preventing complications from too rapid or too slow infusions.
Tips: Enter the total volume in mL, the drop factor (typically 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL depending on your IV set), and the time in minutes. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What are common drop factors?
A: Common drop factors are 10 gtt/mL (macrodrip), 15 gtt/mL, and 60 gtt/mL (microdrip).
Q2: How do I convert hours to minutes?
A: Multiply hours by 60. For example, 2 hours = 120 minutes.
Q3: What's the difference between gtt/min and mL/hr?
A: gtt/min measures drops per minute, while mL/hr measures milliliters per hour. They are different ways to express flow rates.
Q4: How accurate should my calculation be?
A: For critical medications, calculations should be precise. For maintenance fluids, slight variations may be acceptable.
Q5: What if my IV pump uses mL/hr?
A: Many modern IV pumps use mL/hr. You can convert gtt/min to mL/hr if needed.