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Heparin Drip Formula:
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The Heparin Drip Calculation determines the infusion rate (in mL/hr) needed to deliver a specific dose of heparin (in units/hr) based on the concentration of the heparin solution and the volume of the infusion bag.
The calculator uses the heparin drip formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates how many mL per hour need to be infused to deliver the prescribed heparin dose, accounting for the concentration of the heparin solution and the bag volume.
Details: Heparin is a high-alert medication requiring precise dosing. Incorrect calculations can lead to underdosing (risk of thrombosis) or overdosing (risk of bleeding). This calculator helps ensure accurate infusion rates.
Tips: Enter the ordered heparin dose in units/hr, the stock strength in units/mL, and the volume of the infusion bag in mL. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What are common heparin concentrations?
A: Common concentrations include 25,000 units/500 mL (50 units/mL) or 25,000 units/250 mL (100 units/mL), but always verify the actual concentration.
Q2: How often should heparin infusions be checked?
A: Protocols vary, but typically aPTT levels are checked every 6 hours after rate changes until stable, then every 24 hours.
Q3: What if my institution uses weight-based heparin dosing?
A: First calculate the units/hr from the weight-based protocol (e.g., 18 units/kg/hr), then use this calculator to determine the infusion rate.
Q4: Why multiply by volume in the formula?
A: The multiplication accounts for the total amount of heparin in the bag, ensuring the correct proportion is delivered per hour.
Q5: Are there safety checks I should perform?
A: Always double-check calculations, verify the heparin concentration with another clinician, and use an infusion pump for administration.