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What This Guide Helps With
This guide addresses situations where the AirLife FlowMate oxygen flowmeter produces no oxygen flow or reduced flow. It focuses on external, easily verifiable causes first—such as gas supply, connections, and user settings—before assuming internal flowmeter failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Verify Oxygen Source
- Confirm the wall outlet or oxygen cylinder is turned on and has adequate pressure.
- Reason: A closed or depleted source is the most common cause of no or low flow.
Check Supply Pressure
- Use a wall flow gauge or cylinder pressure gauge to ensure pressure meets manufacturer specifications.
- Reason: Low source pressure can reduce flow or prevent the flowmeter from operating.
Inspect Connections
- Verify tubing is correctly attached at both the flowmeter inlet and patient interface.
- Look for kinks, twists, or tight bends in tubing.
- Reason: Obstructions in the tubing restrict flow.
Check Flowmeter Valve / Knob
- Turn the flow adjustment knob fully off and then back on slowly.
- Observe if the flow indicator moves.
- Reason: Knob position or a stuck valve may prevent flow.
Inspect Flowmeter Chamber and Indicator
- Ensure the float (ball or bobbin) moves freely and is not jammed.
- Clean if necessary following safe external procedures.
- Reason: A stuck float gives false readings or prevents flow.
Test with Alternate Tubing or Outlet
- Swap the oxygen tubing and/or connect to a different oxygen source.
- Reason: Confirms whether the issue is with the flowmeter or external supply.
Observe for Leaks
- Listen for hissing around connections.
- Tighten fittings if loose; do not overtighten plastic fittings.
- Reason: Leaks reduce or eliminate oxygen delivery.
If the Problem Persists
External causes have been ruled out (source pressure adequate, tubing clear, valves functional).
The flowmeter may have an internal valve or flow restriction failure.
- Remove the flowmeter from service.
- Label “Out of Service.”
- Send for bench evaluation or repair.
Knowing when to escalate is proper troubleshooting and ensures patient safety.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot an oxygen flowmeter while the patient is on active oxygen.
Move the patient to another verified oxygen delivery device first.
Ensure patient safety while verifying functionality.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
“User reports ‘Oxygen flow is low or not present’ on the FlowMate flowmeter.”
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
“Observed low source pressure from wall outlet; tubing kinked at elbow connector; flowmeter float stuck intermittently.”
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
“Straightened tubing, verified source pressure, cleaned float chamber, confirmed proper flow. Device returned to service. If unresolved, removed and sent for repair with ‘Out of Service’ label.”
Helpful Details to Include
- Outlet pressure reading
- Tubing condition
- Float movement behavior
- Valve/knob position
- Audible leaks or hissing
- Final functional status
Final Thought
Patient safety and logical, stepwise troubleshooting are paramount. Checking external sources, connections, and user settings first avoids unnecessary internal repair attempts. Documentation using CCR ensures clear communication and compliance. Escalate promptly when internal failure is suspected.
That is successful troubleshooting.