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Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Identifies causes for inaccurate, erratic, or unresponsive fresh gas flow due to power, connection, or control system issues before patient use.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety
- Confirm no patient is connected to the machine. Move the patient to another anesthesia workstation if needed.
Verify Power Supply
- Ensure the machine is plugged into a verified, live outlet.
- Check the main power switch and battery status.
- A stable power source is required for accurate flow control.
Check Gas Supply Lines
- Inspect oxygen, air, and nitrous oxide lines for kinks, leaks, or disconnections.
- Verify cylinder pressure or central supply pressure is within normal range.
- Incorrect supply pressure can trigger flow errors.
Inspect Flowmeter and Vaporizer Connections
- Ensure all flowmeter knobs move smoothly and correspond to changes on the display.
- Check that vaporizers are properly seated and recognized by the machine.
- Misalignment or poor contact can prevent correct flow measurement.
Review Fresh Gas Settings
- Confirm that flow rates on the display match the settings on the control knobs.
- Reset settings to default if discrepancies are observed.
- Software or calibration mismatch may cause flow control malfunction.
Check for Error Messages
- Observe the display for specific alarms or messages related to FGF (fresh gas flow).
- Document any error codes for escalation.
Restart the Machine
- Power cycle the anesthesia machine.
- Confirm whether flow control responds correctly after reboot.
- Temporary software glitches can often be cleared this way.
If the Problem Persists
External checks have been exhausted. The issue may be internal (flow sensor, control module, or board-level failure).
Remove the device from service.
Label Out of Service.
Send for repair or bench evaluation.
Knowing when to stop prevents unsafe troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Never adjust fresh gas flow while a patient is connected.
Move the patient to a different workstation for safe anesthesia delivery.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Fresh gas flow display erratic and unresponsive during pre-use check."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"No external leaks, vaporizers seated correctly, but flowmeter readings remain inconsistent."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Device removed from service, labeled Out of Service, and sent to Biomed bench for evaluation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Outlet and power source verified
- Gas supply pressures checked
- Flowmeter and vaporizer connections verified
- Error codes or alarms observed
- Final device status marked Out of Service
Final Thought
Patient safety is paramount. Logical, stepwise troubleshooting rules out external causes first. Escalate appropriately when internal faults are suspected, and document clearly to maintain compliance and traceability.
That is successful troubleshooting.