Traditional administration of oxytocin at Lutheran Medical Center involves the use of two 20 IU / 1000 mL bags hung sequentially at a flow rate of 125 mL / hour each after the delivery of the anterior shoulder. This will total no more than 16 hours.

The proposed evidence based protocol involves utilizing a single 30IU / 500mL bag of oxytocin. After the delivery of the anterior shoulder, an initial rapid infusion bolus of 50mL of the 30IU / 500mL at 999mL / hour. Three minutes after rapid infusion, uterine tone should be assessed. If inadequate uterine tone persists, a second rapid infusion at the same dose and rate as above should be given. If inadequate uterine tone persists, a third rapid infusion may be given. If adequate uterine tone is achieved after any rapid infusion, the remainder of the bag should be administered at a rate of 100mL / hour until finished. If adequate tone is not achieved, the remainder of the bag should be administered at 100mL / hour and additional uterotonic agents should be considered.

500 mL bag of oxytocin (30 IU / 500 mL) to be connected to the IV, and controlled at the obstetricians request. Up to two, 50 mL rapid infusion boluses to be given after delivery of anterior shoulder. Upon completing the bolus(es) flow rate should be continued at 100 mL / hour. This should total no more than 4.5 hours.