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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots PM or electrical-safety failures by verifying test setup, accessories, power configuration, physical condition, test equipment, and documented requirements.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Keep the Device Out of Clinical Service
If the AirSeal iFS fails a required preventive-maintenance or electrical-safety test, do not return it to clinical use until the failure is understood and appropriately resolved.
Expected outcome: A device with an unresolved required test failure remains controlled by Clinical Engineering.
2. Identify the Exact Failed Test
Record the specific failed inspection or test and the observed result.
Determine whether the failure involves:
- Physical inspection.
- Power operation.
- Controls.
- Alarms.
- Functional performance.
- Electrical safety.
- Accessory operation.
- Another manufacturer-required check.
Do not describe the result only as "PM failed."
Expected outcome: The failed requirement is clearly identified and reproducible.
3. Verify the Correct Procedure and Test Setup
Confirm the test was performed using the current approved procedure, correct equipment configuration, and appropriate test equipment.
Verify the analyzer or test instrument is within its required calibration status according to facility policy.
Do not invent acceptance limits or substitute limits from unrelated equipment.
Expected outcome: The test result is based on a valid procedure and valid test setup.
4. Perform a Thorough External Inspection
Inspect the:
- Chassis.
- Power cord.
- Plug.
- Strain relief.
- Accessible connectors.
- Controls.
- Display.
- Labels.
- Vents.
- Approved accessories used during testing.
Look for cracks, looseness, contamination, heat damage, exposed conductors, or evidence of fluid intrusion.
Expected outcome: Any visible condition contributing to the failed PM is identified before deeper investigation.
5. Verify AC Power and Grounding Environment
Use an approved method to verify that the test receptacle and test setup are suitable.
A faulty receptacle, adapter, extension device, or incorrect analyzer connection can produce misleading results.
Expected outcome: The facility power and test connection are confirmed appropriate.
6. Remove Unnecessary External Equipment From the Test
Disconnect nonessential accessories, external interfaces, or cart-mounted equipment when the approved test procedure permits.
If the system is normally tested with specified accessories attached, follow that documented configuration instead.
Expected outcome: The AirSeal iFS is tested in the correct configuration without unrelated external equipment affecting the result.
7. Repeat the Failed Test Once After Correcting Setup Issues
If an external setup problem is found, correct it and repeat only the relevant failed test using the approved method.
Do not repeatedly test until a marginal result happens to pass.
Expected outcome: The repeated result is stable and confirms whether the failure was caused by setup or remains associated with the device.
8. Perform Applicable Functional Checks
If the electrical-safety result is acceptable after correcting an external issue, continue the remaining required PM functional checks.
Verify startup, controls, alarms, relevant AirSeal functions, and accessory operation as required by the approved procedure.
Expected outcome: All required PM functions are completed successfully.
9. Document the Final Verification
Record the original failed test, the cause identified, corrective action, repeat-test result, and final PM status.
Do not document "passed" without preserving the fact that a failure was initially found and corrected.
Expected outcome: The work order clearly demonstrates why the equipment is considered safe for return to service.
10. Escalate a Confirmed Device Failure
If the same required electrical-safety or functional test continues to fail with verified test equipment and setup, stop troubleshooting at the external level.
Expected outcome: The device remains out of service and is referred for repair rather than being released on the basis of normal appearance or operation.
If the Problem Persists
Common setup and external causes have been ruled out. A persistent PM or electrical-safety failure may involve an internal electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, sensing, protective-earth, software, or other service-level condition depending on the test that failed.
The device should be:
- Removed from service.
- Labeled Out of Service.
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation.
- Evaluated using appropriate CONMED documentation and approved test equipment.
- Repaired, adjusted, or configured only by qualified personnel.
After repair, repeat the failed test and any other required return-to-service testing before clinical release.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A device that appears to function normally should not be returned to use after a required safety test failure until that failure has been resolved and verified.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"The CONMED AirSeal iFS failed an electrical-safety test during scheduled preventive maintenance."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found that the initial test was performed through a defective external power adapter in the test setup rather than directly from the verified test receptacle."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed the defective adapter, repeated the electrical-safety test using the approved setup, completed functional PM checks successfully, and returned the unit to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact PM or electrical-safety test that failed.
- Original measured or observed result.
- Approved procedure used.
- Test-equipment identification and calibration status.
- Power cord and plug condition.
- Chassis and connector inspection findings.
- Test receptacle verification.
- Accessories connected during testing.
- Repeat-test result.
- Functional verification results.
- Final device status.
Final Thought
A PM failure should trigger investigation, not automatic parts replacement and not repeated testing until a pass occurs. Verify the procedure, test setup, external condition, and equipment first; then escalate a confirmed device failure and document the complete CCR trail.
That is successful troubleshooting.