Which type of drip delivery system is best for infusion rates less than 100 mL/hr?

The microdrip delivery system is the best choice for infusion rates less than 100 mL/hr due to its ability to deliver small, precise volumes of fluid. This system typically has a drip factor of 60 drops per milliliter, making it suitable for situations requiring careful titration and accurate dosing of medications or fluids.

At lower infusion rates, larger drips from a macrodrip system could lead to inadvertent over-infusion or inadequate control over the infusion rate, which is especially critical in sensitive patient populations. While an infusion pump can provide high accuracy and control, it may be unnecessary and could introduce complexity for such low rates, especially when simpler methods like a microdrip can achieve the same goal more effectively. Gravity drip systems are also not ideally suited for lower rates because they can be less precise than the microdrip method, potentially leading to inconsistent delivery.

Thus, when aiming for precise and controlled fluid administration at low rates, the microdrip system emerges as the most appropriate choice.