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What This Guide Helps With
This guide helps troubleshoot the CHECK AUX CGO alarm on a Drager Apollo anesthesia machine when fresh-gas delivery or switching between the auxiliary common gas outlet and other ventilation modes may be unreliable.
The alarm may occur when switching over to Aux CGO or when switching from Aux CGO back to another ventilation mode. Because this can affect where fresh gas is delivered, the condition should be treated as a gas delivery and mode switching reliability issue.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Do not troubleshoot Aux CGO switching problems during active patient care unless the anesthesia provider confirms it is safe.
- Remove the anesthesia machine from patient use if fresh-gas delivery, manual ventilation, or mode switching is questionable.
- Use an alternate anesthesia machine, manual ventilation method, or approved backup gas delivery method as directed by anesthesia staff.
- Do not rely on Aux CGO if switching or fresh-gas delivery is inconsistent.
Verify the Reported Alarm and Behavior
- Confirm the exact alarm displayed is CHECK AUX CGO.
- Ask staff whether the alarm occurred during switch-over to Aux CGO, when switching back from Aux CGO, during setup, or during checkout.
- Ask whether the bag failed to inflate, fresh gas was not present at Aux CGO, or the machine would not return properly from Aux CGO.
- Record whether the alarm is constant, intermittent, or only happens during mode switching.
Check Fresh-Gas Flow at the Aux CGO
- With the machine out of patient use, verify that fresh-gas flow is present at the Aux CGO when Aux CGO is selected.
- Confirm that fresh-gas flow settings are appropriate.
- Use an appropriate test setup to observe whether a connected test bag inflates when fresh gas should be delivered.
- If fresh-gas flow is restored and the alarm clears, complete the required anesthesia machine checkout before returning the machine to service.
Switch Aux CGO On and Off Several Times
- Select Aux CGO on and off several times while observing the alarm behavior and fresh-gas delivery.
- Allow the machine to complete each switching action before changing modes again.
- Confirm that the machine recognizes the switch and delivers fresh gas through the selected outlet path.
- If switching becomes normal and the alarm does not return, perform a full checkout before returning the machine to service.
If the Bag Does Not Inflate, Switch to the Internal Breathing System
- If the test bag does not inflate while using Aux CGO, switch back to the internal breathing system.
- Verify that the internal breathing system can deliver fresh gas and support manual or mechanical ventilation as expected.
- Do not rely on Aux CGO if the outlet path does not consistently deliver fresh gas.
- Anesthesia staff should determine whether the machine can be used safely or whether another machine is required.
If Switching Back From Aux CGO Fails, Repeat Aux CGO Switching
- If the machine does not properly switch back from Aux CGO to another ventilation mode, switch Aux CGO on and off several times.
- Observe whether the machine recognizes the change and returns to the desired ventilation mode.
- If switching remains unreliable, do not continue using the machine clinically.
- Escalate the device for repair or qualified service evaluation.
Use a Functional Outlet or Alternate Gas Delivery Path
- If Aux CGO remains unreliable, use a known functional gas outlet or alternate anesthesia delivery path as directed by clinical staff.
- Do not continue relying on an Aux CGO outlet that does not consistently deliver fresh gas or switch correctly.
- Confirm that clinical gas delivery is moved away from the questionable Aux CGO function.
Check External and Simple Causes
- Inspect the Aux CGO area for loose or damaged breathing bag connections.
- Check for disconnected, kinked, obstructed, or incorrectly connected tubing.
- Confirm correct setup and mode selection.
- Inspect for physical damage near the Aux CGO outlet or control.
- Look for contamination or liquid intrusion around the control area.
- If an external issue is found, correct it, repeat the Aux CGO check, and verify that the alarm clears.
Determine Whether the Issue Is Accessory, Setup, or Device Related
- If the problem follows a bag, hose, or accessory, replace the accessory.
- If the problem occurs only with a certain setup, correct the setup.
- If the problem occurs with multiple accessories and correct setup, suspect the machine.
- If switching remains unreliable, suspect an internal Aux CGO switching, sensing, control, or gas-path fault.
Stop When Resolved
- If the CHECK AUX CGO alarm clears after correcting setup, restoring fresh-gas flow, reseating accessories, or successfully cycling Aux CGO, run the required anesthesia machine checkout.
- Confirm fresh-gas delivery at the proper outlet.
- Confirm switching between Aux CGO and ventilation modes works correctly.
- Confirm no alarm returns.
- Return the device to service only after safe operation is verified.
If the Problem Persists
If CHECK AUX CGO continues after fresh-gas flow, setup, tubing, outlet use, and Aux CGO switching have been checked, external and common causes have been ruled out.
A persistent CHECK AUX CGO alarm strongly indicates an internal Aux CGO switching, sensing, control, or gas-path fault.
The anesthesia machine should be removed from service, labeled Out of Service, and sent for repair or bench evaluation. Escalate to DragerService or qualified service support as appropriate.
Do not rely on Aux CGO if switching or fresh-gas delivery is inconsistent.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot on an active patient. Move the patient to a backup device or approved alternate ventilation and gas delivery method first.
If fresh-gas delivery or mode switching is questionable, transfer care to a known functional system before continuing troubleshooting.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Drager Apollo anesthesia machine displayed CHECK AUX CGO alarm. Staff reported fault when switching to auxiliary common gas outlet and/or switching back from Aux CGO to another ventilation mode."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Verified CHECK AUX CGO alarm. Fresh-gas flow and Aux CGO switching were checked. External setup, tubing, bag connection, and outlet issues were inspected. Persistent alarm indicates likely internal Aux CGO switching or sensing fault."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Machine removed from service and labeled Out of Service. Aux CGO not considered reliable for clinical use. Referred for repair or DragerService evaluation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm behavior
- Accessories swapped
- Power behavior
- Environmental factors
- Indicator lights
- Final device status
Final Thought
The CHECK AUX CGO alarm should be treated as a gas delivery and switching reliability issue. Clinical Engineering should first verify the alarm, confirm fresh-gas flow, check external setup, and cycle Aux CGO as directed. If the alarm persists or switching remains unreliable, the correct action is to remove the anesthesia machine from service and escalate for repair.
Accurate CCR documentation protects patients, staff, and future troubleshooting.
That is successful troubleshooting.