How many drops are in 1 mL when using microdrip tubing?

Microdrip tubing is designed to deliver a specific number of drops per milliliter, and this is crucial for precise medication administration in emergency situations. Typically, microdrip tubing delivers 60 drops per milliliter (gtts/mL). This higher number of drops allows for more accurate control over the flow rate of IV fluids and medications, which is particularly important in a paramedic context where quick adjustments may be necessary to respond to a patient’s needs.

The design of the microdrip set, with its smaller orifice, facilitates this greater count of drops, making it ideal for situations requiring meticulous titration of medications. In contrast, larger bore tubing, often referred to as macrodrip tubing, typically delivers fewer drops per milliliter (often 10, 15, or 20 gtts/mL), making them suitable for rapid volume infusions but less appropriate when precise dosing is critical.

Understanding the differences between these types of tubing and their respective drop factors plays a fundamental role in ensuring safe and effective patient care in emergencies.