On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots flush-path failures caused by bag setup, clamps, tubing, priming, disposable loading, occlusion, or pump-specific flush detection problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Maintain Patient Safety and Required Hydration
If required flushing cannot be delivered, discontinue reliance on the affected pump and follow the clinical plan for maintaining tube patency and hydration.
Use another verified device if needed.
Expected outcome: Patient care continues without depending on the failed flush function.
2. Confirm the Flush-Specific Complaint
Determine whether the pump reports an empty or unavailable flush source, will not prime the flush line, or accepts the setup but does not deliver a programmed flush.
Record the displayed message.
Expected outcome: The failure is identified as detection, priming, or delivery related.
3. Verify the Flush Bag
Confirm that the correct flush container contains adequate water and is connected to the intended flush tubing.
Check for a closed clamp, kink, collapsed tubing, or incorrectly connected bag.
Expected outcome: The flush source is physically available to the pump.
4. Trace the Flush Tubing
Follow the flush tubing from the container through the disposable set and pump.
Look for pinching, tight bends, tubing trapped under equipment, or improper routing.
Expected outcome: The flush pathway is open and correctly routed.
5. Inspect Disposable Loading
Remove and reload the feed/flush set, confirming that the cassette and both tubing paths are seated correctly.
Ensure the cassette door closes normally.
Expected outcome: The pump correctly interfaces with the flush portion of the set.
6. Prime the Flush Path
Using the normal setup procedure, attempt to prime the flush line into a nonpatient receptacle.
Observe whether fluid advances through the tubing or whether the pump stops with the same fault.
Expected outcome: Flush water moves through the disposable without interruption.
If priming succeeds and normal flushing is restored, proceed to final verification and stop troubleshooting.
7. Substitute a Known-Good Feed/Flush Set
Install a new or known-good compatible feed/flush disposable and repeat the setup.
Expected outcome: The pump recognizes the flush source and delivers water normally.
If the problem follows the original set, remove that disposable from use.
8. Check Container and Pump Position
Ensure the flush container and tubing are positioned normally and not creating tension or unusual routing through the pump.
Expected outcome: Positioning does not interfere with fluid movement or sensing.
9. Perform a Controlled Flush Test
On the bench, program or initiate an appropriate flush using nonpatient tubing and confirm that fluid is delivered through the flush pathway.
Verify applicable alarms.
Expected outcome: Flush delivery operates reliably with the verified setup.
10. Escalate Persistent Flush Failure
If the pump still reports no flush source or cannot deliver through a known-good, correctly loaded feed/flush set, remove it from service.
Expected outcome: A pump with unreliable flush delivery is not returned to clinical use.
If the Problem Persists
Bag, tubing, clamps, loading, priming, and disposable causes have been eliminated. Remaining causes may involve the pump's fluid-path sensing, valve operation, mechanical actuation, or another service-level fault.
Remove the unit from service, label it Out of Service, and send it for qualified bench evaluation using Cardinal Health documentation and approved test equipment. Perform applicable functional and delivery verification following repair.
Stopping after verified external causes are exhausted is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A failed automatic flush can affect feeding-tube patency; ensure the patient's alternate flushing plan is maintained while the pump is being evaluated.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Staff reported that the flush bag was full but the Kangaroo Joey indicated no flush water and would not flush."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the flush tubing clamp remained closed after the feed/flush set was loaded."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Opened the flush tubing path, re-primed the set, verified normal programmed flushing, and returned the pump to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact displayed message
- Flush bag condition
- Clamp positions
- Tubing routing
- Prime result
- Disposable set condition
- Known-good set result
- Feed path behavior
- Flush-path test result
- Final device status
Final Thought
Verify the complete flush path before assuming a pump failure, separate disposable problems from device problems with controlled substitutions, and never return an unreliable flush system to patient care.
That is successful troubleshooting.