On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoot downstream restrictions, tubing problems, connections, access limitations, disposable issues, and setup conditions causing high pressure or inadequate flow.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient
Do not continue forcing rapid infusion against unexplained high downstream pressure.
If the patient requires ongoing rapid fluid delivery, transition to another verified delivery path or device according to clinical direction.
Expected outcome: Patient therapy does not depend on a pressurized or unreliable infusion pathway.
2. Confirm the Reported Condition
Record whether the issue is:
- A displayed high-pressure condition
- Flow that decreases below the intended setting
- Intermittent flow limitation
- A problem occurring only with a particular patient line or accessory
Note the exact displayed information without inventing a cause.
Expected outcome: The pressure or flow complaint is clearly characterized.
3. Inspect the Patient-Line Tubing
Trace the complete accessible downstream tubing path.
Look for:
- Kinks
- Closed clamps
- Pinched tubing
- Tight bends
- Compression under equipment
- Twisted connectors
- Obstructed accessories
Expected outcome: The downstream pathway is physically open and unrestricted. If a restriction is corrected and normal flow returns during verification, troubleshooting can stop.
4. Check External Connections and Accessories
Inspect all patient-line connectors, extensions, filters, adapters, and other external components being used.
A narrow, obstructed, damaged, or incorrectly connected accessory can increase resistance.
Expected outcome: All accessories are appropriate, securely connected, and free of visible obstruction or damage.
5. Separate Device Function From Patient Access
Do not diagnose or manipulate patient vascular access as a Clinical Engineering repair task.
If pressure rises only when connected to the patient but the RI-2 performs normally on a controlled test setup, return the clinical access question to the appropriate care team.
Expected outcome: A device-related flow problem is distinguished from resistance downstream of the equipment.
6. Inspect the Disposable
Check the disposable for:
- Kinking
- Collapsed tubing
- Incorrect routing
- Visible deformation
- Damage
- Improper loading
Replace a questionable disposable with a known-good compatible set.
Expected outcome: The disposable presents no visible restriction and is correctly loaded.
7. Verify Source-Side Fluid Delivery
Check the fluid source and upstream path for adequate supply, open clamps, and unrestricted flow.
Insufficient upstream filling can also result in poor delivered flow even when downstream pressure is normal.
Expected outcome: Fluid reaches the RI-2 freely from the source.
8. Test With a Controlled Bench Load
Using appropriate test equipment and an approved test setup, evaluate fluid delivery independently of the patient circuit.
Do not rely on clinical observation alone to determine whether the device can maintain flow.
Expected outcome: The RI-2 delivers fluid consistently under the controlled setup without unexplained high-pressure behavior.
9. Perform Final Functional Verification
Verify that the device:
- Maintains stable operation
- Responds appropriately to external flow conditions
- Produces normal audible and visual indications
- Does not exhibit unexplained pressure or flow limitation
Expected outcome: Normal flow performance is demonstrated. If the issue is resolved and repeatable functional testing passes, troubleshooting can stop.
10. Escalate Unexplained Pressure or Flow Failure
If abnormal pressure indications or poor flow continue with an unobstructed test setup, known-good disposable, and appropriate test equipment, remove the device from service.
Expected outcome: A potentially unsafe flow-control problem is escalated for qualified evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
External patient-line restrictions, tubing, accessories, disposable loading, source-side supply, and patient-access dependence have been ruled out.
The remaining cause may involve an internal pressure-sensing, pumping, valve, control, or calibration-related issue requiring service-level evaluation.
The device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
- Evaluated using appropriate manufacturer documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel
Appropriate return-to-service testing should verify flow delivery and pressure-related safety functions.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
If the RI-2 works normally on a controlled test circuit but pressure rises only on the patient connection, involve the clinical team rather than altering the device.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported high patient-line pressure and reduced flow during rapid infusion."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the downstream tubing sharply kinked near an external connector."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"The tubing restriction was eliminated, and the RI-2 maintained normal flow during bench functional verification."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact pressure or flow indication
- When the problem occurred
- Downstream tubing condition
- Clamp positions
- External accessories used
- Whether issue occurred only on patient connection
- Disposable condition
- Known-good disposable result
- Bench-test result
- Final device status
Final Thought
High pressure requires a methodical downstream check before internal failure is suspected. Verify tubing, accessories, disposable condition, and controlled device performance, then escalate unresolved faults appropriately.
That is successful troubleshooting.