Convert Time to IV Rate

Formulas

To calculate milliliters/hour (mL/hr) using hours:

V H
  • V = Volume
  • H = Hours

To calculate mL/hr using minutes:

V × 60 min M
  • V = Volume
  • M = Minutes

Examples

1. If an order was written to infuse a liter (1000 mL) of IV fluid every 8 hours, what rate would the IV pump be set for?

  • Volume = 1,000 mL
  • Hours = 8
1000 mL 8

The answer is 125 mL/hr.

2. You have recieved a new admission from the E.R. The patient has class IV CHF and the doctor has ordered a loading dose of Inocor® (amrinone lactate). The loading dose is to be administered over 3 minutes. Pharmacy has brought the loading dose as a 50 mL IVPB. At what rate should the IVPB be infused?

  • Volume = 50 mL
  • Minutes = 3 min
50 mL × 60 min 3 min

The answer is 1,000 mL/hour