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What This Guide Helps With
Locate external fluid leaks, loose connections, disposable damage, poor seating, and cracked accessories while determining whether the RI-2 itself requires service.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Stop Use and Protect the Patient
Stop using the RI-2 if blood, fluid, or other liquid is leaking from the disposable pathway or device.
Maintain therapy using another verified method if needed.
Use appropriate precautions for blood or body-fluid exposure.
Expected outcome: The patient and staff are protected from continued leakage and unreliable fluid delivery.
2. Identify the Leak Location
Without opening the device, determine whether fluid appears to originate from:
- Source connection
- Reservoir area
- Heat-exchange disposable
- Patient-line tubing
- External connector
- Disposable-to-device interface
- Inside the equipment enclosure
If fluid appears to have entered the device enclosure, disconnect the unit from use and stop troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: The leak is localized to an external disposable component or identified as possible internal fluid intrusion.
3. Inspect All External Connections
Check fluid-source, reservoir, disposable, and patient-line connections for:
- Loose fittings
- Cross-threading
- Incomplete engagement
- Damaged connectors
- Improper accessory attachment
Expected outcome: All external connections are properly seated and dry.
4. Inspect the Disposable
Remove the disposable from service and inspect for:
- Cuts
- Punctures
- Cracked components
- Split tubing
- Leaking seams
- Deformation
- Damage from incorrect loading
Do not attempt to repair a disposable.
Expected outcome: Any damaged disposable is identified and replaced.
5. Inspect the Loading Area for External Damage
Check accessible surfaces for sharp edges, broken guides, damaged doors, or other visible conditions that could pinch or damage the disposable.
Expected outcome: No external device damage is present that could cause disposable leakage.
6. Install a Known-Good Disposable
After the device is cleaned and dried appropriately, install a new compatible disposable using an approved bench test fluid.
Prime the system while watching closely for leakage.
Expected outcome: The known-good disposable remains dry throughout priming. If leakage does not recur and the unit passes verification, troubleshooting can stop.
7. Check for Pressure-Related External Restrictions
Inspect downstream tubing, clamps, and accessories for restrictions that could contribute to excessive pressure and leakage at a weak connection.
Expected outcome: The fluid path is unobstructed and connections remain secure during flow.
8. Evaluate for Fluid Intrusion
If fluid was found beneath covers, in vents, around electrical interfaces, or in areas not intended to become wet, remove the device from service.
Do not energize or continue operating equipment with suspected internal fluid intrusion.
Expected outcome: A potentially contaminated or electrically unsafe device is isolated for bench evaluation.
9. Perform Final Leak and Functional Verification
With an appropriate nonpatient test setup, verify that:
- The disposable remains dry
- Connections remain secure
- Fluid delivery remains stable
- No leak develops during representative operation
- Normal alarm and control functions remain available
Expected outcome: No external leak is present and device operation remains normal.
10. Escalate Recurrent or Device-Origin Leakage
If leakage recurs with a known-good disposable or appears to originate from the device rather than the disposable, stop troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: The unit is removed from clinical service for qualified repair.
If the Problem Persists
Disposable damage, loose connections, external restrictions, and loading problems have been ruled out.
The remaining cause may involve an internal fluid-path interface, damaged mechanical component, internal leak, or equipment contamination 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
If internal fluid intrusion occurred, appropriate electrical-safety and functional testing should be completed before return to service.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A leaking disposable or fluid path should be removed immediately; never tighten or manipulate a leaking connection while the device continues delivering to a patient.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported fluid leaking from the RI-2 disposable reservoir area during setup."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found a damaged disposable component leaking during priming."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"The disposable was replaced, the system was reprimed, and leak and functional testing were completed successfully."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact leak location
- Fluid type involved
- Whether leak occurred during prime or delivery
- Connector condition
- Disposable damage
- Visible device contamination
- Known-good disposable result
- Presence of internal fluid intrusion
- Leak-test result
- Final device status
Final Thought
Fluid leaks require immediate isolation, careful localization, and verification with a known-good disposable. Suspected internal leakage or fluid intrusion warrants removal from service and qualified evaluation.
That is successful troubleshooting.