The drop factor for blood transfusion is typically 15 drops per milliliter (mL).
Understanding Drop Factors
The term "drop factor" refers to the number of drops of fluid it takes to make up one milliliter. This is crucial in intravenous (IV) therapy for accurately administering fluids. Different IV administration sets have different drop factors, designed for specific fluids.
Common Drop Factors
The provided reference specifies two common drop factors:
- 20 drops/mL: This is typically used for clear fluids, such as saline solutions or dextrose solutions.
- 15 drops/mL: This is typically used for thicker substances, such as blood or blood products.
Why Use 15 drops/mL for Blood?
Blood is a viscous fluid, meaning it is thicker than clear fluids. Using an administration set with a 15 drops/mL drop factor ensures that the blood is administered at a consistent and appropriate rate. The larger size of each drop compensates for the higher viscosity.
Key Considerations for Blood Transfusion Drop Factors
- Accuracy is crucial: Using the correct drop factor is essential for accurate administration of blood products.
- Check the IV set: Always verify the drop factor marked on the IV administration set before beginning a transfusion.
- Avoid confusion: Do not confuse the drop factor for blood with the drop factor used for other IV fluids, as it can lead to miscalculations and incorrect transfusion rates.
Practical Example
If a blood transfusion order requires 100 mL of packed red blood cells to be infused over one hour, using a 15 drops/mL set means you need to deliver 1500 drops over 60 minutes. This calculates to approximately 25 drops per minute.
In summary, using the correct drop factor is critical for safe and effective IV therapy, especially with substances like blood.
