Asset Type

Hemodialysis (HD) Machine

Manufacturer

Fresenius Medical Care

Model

2008T

What This Guide Helps With

This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting dialysate conductivity or concentration alarms on a Fresenius 2008T HD machine. These alarms typically indicate that the dialysate solution may be too concentrated or too dilute, which can impact patient safety. This guide focuses on external checks and easily verifiable causes before escalating to internal repairs or service.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure the machine is safely powered down

• Disconnect the patient and stop any dialysis session.
• Power cycling the machine can sometimes clear false alarms.

Check water source and connections

• Verify the water supply is on and free from leaks.
• Confirm all water inlet and return lines are securely connected.
• Dirty or partially blocked water lines can alter conductivity readings.

Inspect concentrate supply

• Check that acid and bicarbonate concentrates are in the correct containers.
• Ensure containers are properly seated and the correct type is used.
• Confirm concentrates are not expired or contaminated.

Examine dialysate lines and proportioning system

• Look for kinks, leaks, or disconnections in the dialysate delivery lines.
• Verify that proportioning lines from the concentrate containers are properly connected and unobstructed.

Check conductivity sensor and calibration

• Wipe the sensor with a soft cloth if visibly dirty.
• Perform a conductivity calibration using manufacturer-provided calibration solution.
• Improper sensor readings are a common cause of concentration alarms.

Review machine settings

• Confirm dialysate flow rate, target conductivity, and temperature settings are correct.
• Check for recent software updates or error logs that could indicate repeated sensor or calibration issues.

If the Problem Persists

If all external checks are completed and alarms continue:

• The machine may have an internal conductivity sensor failure, proportioning pump issue, or control board error.
• Remove the machine from service.
• Label Out of Service.
• Send for manufacturer service or bench evaluation.

Knowing when to escalate is proper troubleshooting and protects patient safety.

Clinical Use Tip

• Never attempt dialysis if the conductivity alarm is active.
• Move the patient to another functional HD machine immediately.
• Troubleshoot only when no patient is connected.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
“Machine alarms for dialysate conductivity too low/high during setup.”

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
“Observed that the acid concentrate line was loosely connected and the conductivity sensor was dirty.”

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
“Reconnected concentrate line and cleaned conductivity sensor. Calibrated sensor. Verified alarms cleared and machine passed self-test.”

Helpful Details to Include

• Water inlet pressure and filter status
• Conductivity sensor calibration date
• Concentrate container type, volume, and expiration
• Alarm codes observed
• Final machine status after troubleshooting

Final Thought

Patient safety depends on consistent, correctly mixed dialysate. A logical approach—from external checks to escalation—reduces unnecessary downtime and ensures safe dialysis treatments. Documentation ensures the issue and resolution are clearly communicated to colleagues and the manufacturer.

That is successful troubleshooting.