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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots incomplete self-tests or calibration routines by checking setup, approved accessories, connections, environmental conditions, and test prerequisites.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Remove the System From Clinical Dependence
Do not perform troubleshooting, calibration, or repeated self-tests while a patient depends on the AirSeal iFS.
If a required self-test or calibration cannot complete before use, substitute a verified system.
Expected outcome: The affected device is available for controlled technical evaluation without affecting patient care.
2. Record the Exact Failure
Determine:
- Which self-test or calibration was being performed.
- Whether it was automatic or intentionally initiated.
- At what point it stopped.
- Exact displayed message or alarm.
- Whether the test has previously completed on the same setup.
Do not translate a generic failure into a component diagnosis.
Expected outcome: The test failure is documented accurately enough to reproduce.
3. Verify Normal Startup and Stable Power
Confirm the device completes normal startup before initiating any available approved test. Verify the power cord, receptacle, and AC stability.
Expected outcome: The test is being attempted from a normal system state with verified power.
4. Confirm Required Setup Conditions
Verify that all operator-accessible prerequisites for the test are met according to approved manufacturer documentation.
Check relevant:
- Tubing and accessory installation.
- Connections.
- Consumables.
- Required disconnections.
- Device positioning.
- Normal control settings.
Do not enter restricted service functions or change protected configuration values.
Expected outcome: The test setup matches the approved prerequisites.
5. Inspect Connected Accessories and Tubing
Look for:
- Kinks.
- Occlusions.
- Loose fittings.
- Misinstalled components.
- Damaged connectors.
- Contamination.
- Incorrect or questionable disposables.
Expected outcome: External components are correctly installed and free of visible defects.
6. Substitute Known-Good Approved Components
If the self-test depends on a removable accessory or disposable, repeat the approved test with a known-good compatible component when appropriate.
Expected outcome: Successful completion with a known-good component identifies the original accessory or disposable as the likely cause.
7. Check Environmental and Airflow Conditions
Confirm ventilation is not blocked and that the device is being tested in a stable indoor environment. Ensure surrounding equipment or drapes are not interfering with airflow or connections.
Expected outcome: Environmental conditions do not interfere with the test.
8. Perform One Controlled Restart and Retest
After correcting external setup issues, perform a normal restart and repeat the approved self-test or calibration once.
Avoid repeatedly clearing or restarting the system to force a pass.
Expected outcome: The test completes successfully and the system reaches the expected ready state.
9. Verify Normal Operation After a Successful Test
A successful self-test should be followed by functional verification of the relevant system functions and alarms.
Expected outcome: The test completes normally and the associated operating functions are reliable. Troubleshooting can stop.
10. Escalate Repeated Test Failure
If the test repeatedly fails with verified power, correct setup, and known-good approved external components, stop external troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: The unit is removed from service for service-level diagnosis instead of being repeatedly reset or adjusted.
If the Problem Persists
Common external causes have been ruled out. Remaining possibilities include internal sensing, pressure or flow control, calibration data, software, internal communication, or another service-level condition.
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, calibrated, or configured only by qualified personnel.
Any service calibration should be completed only using authorized procedures and appropriate test equipment. Perform required functional and safety verification before return to service.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A failed required self-test is a reason to substitute the system, not a condition to bypass because basic functions appear to operate.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Staff reported that the AirSeal iFS would not complete its pre-use system check."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found a procedure tubing connection incompletely seated and verified that no connector damage was present."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Corrected the tubing connection, repeated the system check successfully, verified normal operation, and returned the unit to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact test or calibration attempted.
- Exact displayed message.
- Point at which the test stopped.
- AC power status.
- Tubing and accessory setup.
- Disposable condition.
- Known-good substitutions.
- Environmental conditions.
- Retest result.
- Final system status.
Final Thought
A failed self-test should be approached by confirming the setup and external test conditions before assuming calibration or internal hardware failure. If a correctly configured system repeatedly fails, remove it from service and escalate with clear documentation.
That is successful troubleshooting.