On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshooting absent, weak, or inconsistent integrated suction caused by tubing, collection container, regulator, or supply-source issues.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety First
If the warmer is being used during newborn care and suction is unavailable or unreliable, notify clinical staff immediately and provide a functioning alternate suction source.
Do not continue troubleshooting the suction system while it may be needed for active patient care.
Expected outcome: The patient has reliable suction available before equipment troubleshooting begins.
2. Confirm the Reported Suction Failure
Confirm that the unit is equipped with the integrated resuscitation/suction module and identify the reported symptom:
- No suction
- Weak suction
- Suction cannot be adjusted
- Vacuum gauge does not respond
- Suction is intermittent
- Collection container or tubing issue
The Resuscitaire suction circuit is specified as adjustable from 0 to 150 mmHg and uses a 40 ml disposable collection container on equipped configurations.
Expected outcome: The exact suction-related failure is identified before parts are exchanged or the device is removed from service.
3. Inspect the Suction Patient Connection and Tubing
With the device out of patient use, inspect the suction tubing and patient connection for:
- Kinks or collapsed tubing
- Cracks, splits, or loose connections
- Blockage from secretions or debris
- Incorrect tubing installation
- Missing disposable components
Replace questionable disposable tubing or suction accessories with compatible components, then retest.
Expected outcome: Tubing is clear, secure, and properly connected. If normal suction returns, document the replaced disposable accessory and stop troubleshooting.
4. Inspect the Collection Container and Lid/Seal
Check the disposable collection container for:
- Container full or contaminated
- Container cracked or damaged
- Lid improperly seated
- Loose tubing connections at the container
- Obstruction in the container inlet or outlet
- Evidence that fluid has traveled beyond the container
Replace the disposable collection container when damaged, contaminated, full, or suspected of leaking.
Expected outcome: The collection container is empty or replaced, correctly installed, and able to maintain a vacuum seal. If suction returns, document the cause and stop.
5. Verify Suction Adjustment and Gauge Response
Using an appropriate test setup and not a patient, turn the suction control through its adjustment range while observing the vacuum gauge.
Briefly occlude the test tubing tip to determine whether vacuum develops and whether the gauge responds smoothly.
Expected outcome: Vacuum increases with adjustment and the gauge indicates suction. If the control does not change vacuum or the gauge remains at zero, continue troubleshooting.
6. Check the Resuscitation Gas Supply Source
Confirm that the connected gas source required for the resuscitation module is present, properly connected, and available at the warmer.
Inspect external supply connections for:
- Disconnected wall gas hose
- Closed or depleted cylinder, if equipped
- Damaged hose or connector
- Audible leak
- Low or absent supply indication associated with the resuscitation module
Do not attempt internal pneumatic adjustment.
Expected outcome: The external gas source is connected and available. If restoring the gas supply restores suction, document the external supply issue and stop.
7. Isolate the Failure to the Suction Path
If available and approved for testing, install known-good compatible suction tubing and a new collection container, then repeat the occlusion test.
If suction returns, the removed disposable component was the likely cause.
If suction remains absent or weak despite known-good external components and an available gas supply, the failure is likely within the suction regulator, gauge, internal pneumatic path, or resuscitation module.
Expected outcome: External disposable and supply-related causes are either corrected or ruled out.
8. Inspect for Contamination, Leakage, or Physical Damage
Inspect the accessible suction module area for:
- Fluid contamination
- Cracked fittings
- Damaged adjustment knob
- Loose external ports
- Abnormal sounds indicating a leak
- Unusual odor or evidence of prior liquid intrusion
Do not continue functional testing if contamination may have entered the device’s internal pneumatic components.
Expected outcome: Any visible damage or contamination is identified and documented for repair evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
If suction remains absent, weak, nonadjustable, or unreliable after verifying tubing, disposable collection container, external connections, and available gas supply, common external causes have been ruled out.
The issue is likely internal to the suction regulator, gauge, pneumatic pathway, or resuscitation module.
The device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation according to facility procedure
Do not attempt internal pneumatic repair, regulator adjustment, or component-level service during floor troubleshooting. Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot a suction failure while the device is supporting active newborn care. Ensure a working alternate suction source is available before removing the Resuscitaire from service or performing testing.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Labor and Delivery reported that the Drager Resuscitaire integrated suction produced little to no vacuum during setup for newborn care."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Suction remained weak after replacement of the disposable collection container and tubing, with external gas supply present and no adequate vacuum response during occlusion testing."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed the infant warmer from service, labeled it Out of Service, and sent it for bench evaluation of the integrated suction/resuscitation module."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alternate suction provided before troubleshooting
- Reported symptom: no suction, weak suction, intermittent suction, or no gauge response
- Suction tubing inspected or replaced
- Collection container inspected or replaced
- Evidence of fluid contamination
- External gas source and connections verified
- Vacuum gauge behavior during occlusion testing
- Audible leaks, unusual sounds, or damaged fittings
- Final device status
Final Thought
An infant warmer suction failure can directly affect readiness during newborn care. Start with patient safety, then rule out tubing, container, connection, and gas-supply issues before escalating suspected internal pneumatic failure. Clear CCR documentation supports safe repair follow-up and prevents unnecessary repeat troubleshooting.
That is successful troubleshooting.