Which tubing factor corresponds to microdrip tubing?

Which tubing factor corresponds to microdrip tubing?

• A. 10 gtt/mL
• B. 20 gtt/mL
• C. 5 gtt/mL
• D. 60 gtt/mL

Answer: (D)

Understanding tubing drop factor is key here. In gravity IV administration, the flow rate in drops per minute is found by multiplying the volume to be infused (in mL) by the tubing’s drop factor (gtt per mL) and then dividing by the time (in minutes). Microdrip tubing uses a high drop factor so each drop is small, and there are many drops per milliliter. Specifically, microdrip is 60 gtt per mL, which is why this option matches microdrip. For example, infusing 60 mL over 60 minutes with microdrip yields 60 gtt/min (60 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 60 min), illustrating how the higher drop factor results in more drops per minute and finer control. The other values (lower gtt/mL) correspond to macrodrip sets that deliver fewer drops per milliliter, so they aren’t microdrip.

Understanding tubing drop factor is key here. In gravity IV administration, the flow rate in drops per minute is found by multiplying the volume to be infused (in mL) by the tubing’s drop factor (gtt per mL) and then dividing by the time (in minutes). Microdrip tubing uses a high drop factor so each drop is small, and there are many drops per milliliter. Specifically, microdrip is 60 gtt per mL, which is why this option matches microdrip. For example, infusing 60 mL over 60 minutes with microdrip yields 60 gtt/min (60 mL × 60 gtt/mL ÷ 60 min), illustrating how the higher drop factor results in more drops per minute and finer control. The other values (lower gtt/mL) correspond to macrodrip sets that deliver fewer drops per milliliter, so they aren’t microdrip.