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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoot questionable measurements or calibration failures caused by accessories, setup, positioning, configuration, environment, or service-level system problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient From Unreliable Measurements
Do not use a measurement known or suspected to be inaccurate for clinical decisions. Use an alternate verified measurement method when the value is clinically required.
Expected outcome: Patient care does not depend on the questionable measurement.
2. Confirm the Reported Measurement Problem
Identify the exact measurement or calibration function involved, the circumstances under which the discrepancy occurs, and any displayed calibration failure message.
Expected outcome: The problem is defined well enough to reproduce or objectively evaluate.
3. Verify External Setup
Inspect relevant cables, sensors, modules, accessories, phantoms, reference devices, or positioning aids used for the measurement or approved calibration process.
Expected outcome: Required external components are correctly connected, intact, and positioned.
4. Confirm Correct Configuration and Selection
Verify normal user-accessible settings, selected input, measurement mode, accessory selection, and other visible configuration relevant to the test. Do not alter restricted service parameters.
Expected outcome: The system is configured for the intended measurement.
5. Check Positioning and Environmental Conditions
Confirm that patient, table, detector, reference object, sensor, or other relevant components are positioned appropriately for the measurement. Check for obvious environmental or mechanical conditions that could invalidate the test.
Expected outcome: The measurement setup is repeatable and free from obvious external errors.
6. Compare With a Known-Good Reference
When appropriate and within Clinical Engineering scope, compare the reported measurement with approved test equipment or another known-good reference suitable for the function being evaluated.
Expected outcome: The discrepancy is objectively confirmed or shown to be within the expected behavior defined by applicable service documentation.
7. Repeat Only Approved Calibration Procedures
If calibration is within normal authorized Clinical Engineering scope, repeat the manufacturer-approved calibration or verification procedure using the specified setup and approved equipment. Do not enter unauthorized service menus.
Expected outcome: Calibration completes successfully and verification results are acceptable. If so, troubleshooting can stop after final testing.
8. Verify Repeatability
Repeat the relevant measurement or verification sufficiently to confirm that the corrected result is stable rather than a one-time pass.
Expected outcome: The system produces consistent, verified measurements.
9. Escalate Persistent Inaccuracy or Calibration Failure
If measurements remain questionable or an approved calibration cannot be completed, remove the affected function or system from service.
Expected outcome: An unverified measurement function is not used clinically.
If the Problem Persists
External setup, accessories, positioning, accessible settings, and approved verification steps have been ruled out. Remaining causes may involve internal measurement circuitry, detector or acquisition systems, stored calibration data, configuration, mechanical alignment, or another service-level condition.
Remove the system from service, label it Out of Service, and arrange qualified service evaluation using current manufacturer procedures and approved test equipment. Calibration, adjustment, or repair should be performed only by personnel authorized and trained for that work.
Return to service only after required calibration and functional verification pass. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Never substitute a plausible-looking value for a verified measurement when system accuracy is in question.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported that a measurement displayed by the Canon Alphenix Sky+ was inconsistent with the expected value."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the external measurement accessory improperly seated and obtained normal comparison results after reseating it."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering secured the accessory, repeated the applicable verification, confirmed stable results, and returned the system to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Measurement or calibration function affected
- Reported discrepancy
- Exact calibration message
- Accessory and connection condition
- Relevant visible settings
- Positioning observed
- Reference test equipment used
- Results before and after correction
- Final calibration or verification status
Final Thought
Treat inaccurate measurements as a patient-safety concern, verify setup and external causes first, use approved references and procedures, and escalate any function that cannot be objectively verified.
That is successful troubleshooting.