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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots incorrect oxygen concentration or calibration concerns involving oxygen supply, tubing, connections, settings, measurement equipment, and configuration.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient and Maintain Oxygen Therapy
An incorrect oxygen concentration can directly affect patient care. If delivered oxygen is questionable, transfer the patient to an appropriate verified oxygen delivery system before troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: Prescribed oxygen therapy is maintained independently of the affected Airvo 3.
2. Confirm the Exact Oxygen Complaint
Determine whether the device reports an oxygen-related message, an external analyzer shows an unexpected concentration, or staff observed unstable oxygen delivery. Record the configured oxygen-related settings and the oxygen source being used.
Expected outcome: The complaint is defined with objective information whenever possible.
3. Verify the Oxygen Source
Confirm that the connected oxygen source is available, turned on where applicable, and appropriate for the intended configuration. Inspect source connections for obvious supply interruption.
Expected outcome: A reliable oxygen source is available to the Airvo 3.
4. Inspect Oxygen Tubing and Connections
Trace the external oxygen tubing from source to device. Look for disconnections, kinks, leaks, damaged tubing, loose fittings, incorrect connections, or flow restrictions.
Expected outcome: The external oxygen path is secure and unobstructed. Correcting a supply connection restores stable oxygen delivery.
5. Verify the Device Configuration and Controls
Confirm that the displayed configuration corresponds with the intended setup and oxygen source. Do not alter restricted configuration parameters or enter unauthorized service menus.
Expected outcome: The observed condition is not caused by an incorrect externally accessible setting or configuration.
6. Verify the Oxygen Analyzer or Test Equipment
If an external oxygen analyzer is being used, confirm it is appropriate for the test, in current service status, correctly connected, and functioning as expected. Compare with known-good test equipment when available.
Expected outcome: The apparent oxygen error is not caused by faulty or improperly connected test equipment.
7. Check the Breathing Circuit
Inspect the breathing tube, chamber, interfaces, and accessible gas-path components for disconnection, obstruction, or inappropriate setup that could interfere with the intended gas mixture.
Expected outcome: The respiratory circuit is correctly assembled and operating normally.
8. Repeat Applicable Oxygen Verification or Calibration
If the device provides an authorized user-accessible or service procedure for oxygen verification or calibration, perform it only according to the applicable manufacturer documentation and using approved test equipment.
Do not invent calibration values or bypass failed calibration results.
Expected outcome: Oxygen verification or calibration completes successfully and measured performance meets documented criteria.
9. Complete Functional Verification
Verify stable airflow, oxygen delivery, relevant alarms, humidification, and overall operation across an appropriate controlled test condition.
Expected outcome: Oxygen concentration is stable and within applicable criteria. Troubleshooting can stop.
10. Escalate Persistent Oxygen Errors
If the oxygen source, tubing, settings, circuit, and external test equipment have been verified but concentration remains incorrect or calibration cannot be completed, stop external troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: The Airvo 3 is removed from service for qualified oxygen-control or sensing evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
External oxygen supply, tubing, connections, configuration, breathing circuit, and measurement equipment have been ruled out. A continuing oxygen concentration or calibration problem may involve oxygen sensing, gas mixing, internal flow control, calibration data, electronics, or another service-level condition.
Remove the device from service, label it Out of Service, and send it for bench evaluation or repair. Evaluation should follow appropriate Fisher & Paykel Healthcare documentation using approved gas-analysis equipment. Internal calibration, component replacement, or software configuration should be performed only by qualified personnel.
Verify oxygen concentration, flow, alarms, humidification, and complete functional performance before return to service.
Clinical Use Tip
When oxygen delivery is questioned, verify the entire path from the oxygen source through the Airvo 3 to the patient interface rather than relying on a single displayed value.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported the measured oxygen concentration from the Airvo 3 was lower than expected."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the external oxygen supply tubing was partially kinked and restricting oxygen delivery."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering corrected the oxygen tubing routing, verified stable oxygen delivery with appropriate test equipment, and completed functional testing before return to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact oxygen-related message
- Oxygen source used
- External oxygen tubing condition
- Device settings observed
- Measured oxygen concentration
- Analyzer used for verification
- Circuit configuration
- Calibration or verification result
- Results before and after correction
- Final device status
Final Thought
Incorrect oxygen delivery requires immediate attention to patient safety followed by systematic verification of the oxygen source, external gas path, configuration, measurement equipment, and device performance. Do not force a failed calibration; escalate and document the findings clearly.
That is successful troubleshooting.