What it means
Used for eye and ear drops ("2 gtt") and for gravity IV drip rates in drops per minute (gtt/min). The drip rate is the volume in mL times the tubing's drop factor (gtt/mL), divided by the time in minutes. Macrodrip tubing gives 10, 15 or 20 drops per mL; microdrip tubing gives 60.
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 | gtts |
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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.
mL/hr
Milliliters per hour: the unit for how fast an IV fluid, infusion or tube feeding runs.
drip chamber
The clear chamber at the top of IV tubing, under the bag, where fluid falls drop by drop.
drop factor
The number of drops in 1 mL of fluid for a given set of IV tubing, printed on the package.