How many drops per milliliter does microdrip tubing deliver?

Microdrip tubing is specifically designed to deliver small volumes of IV fluid accurately, making it ideal for pediatric patients or situations where precise fluid administration is critical. The standard drop factor for microdrip tubing is 60 drops per milliliter, meaning that for each milliliter of fluid infused, 60 drops will be administered. This high drop factor allows for better control of fluid delivery and is particularly useful when administering medications or maintaining fluid balance in patients who require careful monitoring.

Understanding the drop factor is essential for calculating infusion rates and determining how long it will take to deliver a particular volume of fluid, which is a key aspect of IV fluid therapy management. In contrast, other types of IV tubing, such as macrodrip, typically deliver larger drops and hence have different drop factors, which do not apply in this scenario.