gtt/min
Medical abbreviation · Prescription
| Stands for | Drops per minute |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
gtt/min stands for Drops per minute, a prescription abbreviation.
Rate unit for gravity IV infusions, calculated from the volume to infuse, the time and the drop factor of the tubing (commonly 10, 15, 20 or 60 drops per mL). It is still taught in nursing programs and used where infusion pumps are unavailable.
Example: 1,000 mL over 8 h with 15 gtt/mL tubing = about 31 gtt/min.
Usage notes
The formula is volume in mL times drop factor divided by time in minutes. Microdrip sets (60 drops per mL) make the drops-per-minute rate equal to mL per hour, a convenient shortcut. Gravity rates drift as bag height and patient position change, so they are checked frequently.
Related abbreviations
More prescription abbreviations
- DAW – Dispense as written
- Disp – Dispense
- dtd – Dentur tales doses (give such doses)
- EPCS – Electronic prescribing of controlled substances
- eRx – Electronic prescription
- gr – Grain
- HS – Hora somni (at bedtime)
- IU – International unit
- LD – Loading dose
- mane – Mane (in the morning)
- mcg – Microgram
- mcg/kg/min – Micrograms per kilogram per minute
See all 77 prescription abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.