Drip Rates for Gravity Flow Infusions Calculator

1. Without a flow control device such as a pump, infusion rates depend entirely on gravity. Rate of flow is measured by counting drops per minute.
2. Administration sets deliver controlled amounts of fluid at a predetermined fixed rate, measured in drops per minute.
3. It is also important to check the number of drops per ml delivered by the administration set (which is printed on the outer packaging). This may vary between sets, between manufacturers and between different infusion fluids or drug solutions.
4. A (drug) solution administration set will usually deliver 20 drops per ml of clear infusion fluid such as 0.9% sodium chloride injection.
5. A blood administration set will deliver 15 drops per ml of blood.
6. A burette administration set will usually deliver 60 drops per ml of infusion fluid or drug solution.