STEP 1:

Determine the amount of fluid that will be administered per unit of time (usually 60 minutes or 1 hour).

Example: 1000 ml./8 hours = 125 ml./hr

STEP 2:

Identify the type of drip chamber that is on the IV administration set.

Alaris sets: 20 drops/ml.

Macro Drip: 10 or 15 drops/ml., (varies with the manufacturer). Drip rate for the chamber is marked on the IV set box. Baxter (formerly Travenol) macro drip sets deliver 10 drops per ml.

Micro Drip: 60 drops/ml.

STEP 3:

To calculate infusion rate, multiply amount to be infused per period of time (from step 1) by the drip rate (from step 2).

Example: How many drops per minute should be administered to deliver 125 ml/hr. using an Alaris drip set (20 drops per ml.)?

    Amount to be administered: 125 ml

    Administration time (in minutes): 60 min

    Drip chamber size: 20 drops/ml

    125 ml./60 min. X 20 drops/ml = 41.7 drops per minute

    Answer: 42 drops per minute to deliver 125 ml. in 60 minutes using an Alaris drip     chamber.