In: Nursing
IV containing heparin in 250 mL of NS is infusing at 40 drops per minute. The infusion set is a microdrop. What is the infusion time? ( 1 drop = 4 microdrops, 1 mL = 15 drops = 60 microdrops)
Formula for INFUSION TIME = VOLUME OF FLUID/FLOW RATE(mL/hour)
Volume of fluid = 250 mL
Here, the flow rate = 40 drops/min. Since it is a microdrip, 1 mL = 60 drops.
mL/hour = 40 x 60 (1 hour = 60 min)
= 2400 drops/hour (2400 drops = 2400/60 = 40 mL)
= 40mL/hour
Hence, the flow rate (mL/hour) = 40 mL/hour
Therefore, the INFUSION TIME = 250/40
= 6.25 hours.