What it means
A number used to work out a gravity IV rate in drops per minute. Macrodrip tubing usually delivers 10, 15 or 20 drops per mL and is used for faster rates; microdrip tubing delivers 60 drops per mL and is used for slow, exact rates, such as for children.
For the nurse
Drops per minute = total volume (mL) × drop factor (gtt/mL) ÷ time (minutes). Check the drop factor on the tubing package before you calculate.
In a chart
"1,000 mL over 8 hours with 15 gtt/mL tubing: 1,000 × 15 ÷ 480 = 31 gtt/min."
At a glance
| Also written | drop factors |
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Related terms
infusion
The slow delivery of a fluid or drug into the body, usually into a vein, over a period of time.
gtt
An abbreviation for drop or drops, from the Latin gutta and guttae.
drip chamber
The clear chamber at the top of IV tubing, under the bag, where fluid falls drop by drop.