Follow facility guidelines to determine if infusion should be administered by electronic infusion device or by gravity/free flow.

• Verify prescribed IV solution.
• Check patency of IV access.

If the infusion is to be administered by gravity/free-flow infusion:

• Verify drop factor (number of drops in 1 mL) of the equipment in use.
• Calculate the flow rate:EXAMPLE—Administer 1,000 mL D₅W over 10 hours (set delivers 60 drops/1 mL).
  1. Standard formula

     

  2. Short formula using milliliters per hour

     

Find milliliters per hour by dividing 1,000 mL by 10 hours: