1. What is IV Infusion Rate?

The IV infusion rate is the speed at which intravenous fluids are administered to a patient, typically measured in milliliters per hour (mL/hr). It's a critical parameter in fluid therapy and medication administration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic infusion rate formula:

Where:

• Volume — Total amount of fluid to be infused (in milliliters)
• Time — Duration over which the infusion should be completed (in hours)

Explanation: This simple calculation determines how many milliliters should be delivered each hour to complete the infusion in the specified time.

3. Importance of Accurate Infusion Rates

Details: Proper infusion rates are essential for patient safety - too fast can cause fluid overload, while too slow may delay treatment. Rates are especially critical for medications with narrow therapeutic windows.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total volume in mL and the desired infusion time in hours. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will determine the mL/hr rate.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert drops per minute to mL/hr?
A: Multiply gtts/min by 60, then divide by the drop factor (usually 10, 15, or 20 gtts/mL depending on the administration set).

Q2: What's a typical infusion rate for maintenance fluids?
A: For adults, typically 50-100 mL/hr, but this varies based on patient condition, weight, and clinical scenario.

Q3: How do I account for medication additives?
A: Include the medication volume in your total infusion volume calculation unless it's negligible (<1% of total volume).

Q4: When should I use an infusion pump vs gravity?
A: Pumps are preferred for precise control, especially with critical medications. Gravity may be acceptable for maintenance fluids in stable patients.

Q5: How does patient weight affect infusion rates?
A: Many medications are dosed by weight (mL/kg/hr). Calculate the total volume based on weight before determining the infusion rate.