GE Healthcare Aisys

Asset Type

Anesthesia Machine

Manufacturer

GE Healthcare

Model

Aisys

What This Guide Helps With

This guide helps troubleshoot an ACB SW ERROR alarm on a GE Healthcare Aisys anesthesia machine. This alarm may appear with system malfunction behavior, startup failure, intermittent reset behavior, checkout failure, freezing, or unsafe anesthesia machine operation.

An ACB software-related alarm should be treated seriously because the Anesthesia Control Board is involved in core system control. The machine should not be trusted for patient use until the alarm is resolved and the unit passes the required checkout.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Ensure Patient Safety First

• Remove the Aisys from patient use if the alarm appears during setup, startup, checkout, or clinical operation.
• If the machine is connected to a patient, have anesthesia staff transition to a safe backup ventilation and anesthesia plan.
• Use another anesthesia machine if available.
• Do not continue using the machine for ventilation or anesthesia delivery while the system malfunction is active.

2. Verify the Reported Alarm and Behavior

• Confirm the exact alarm displayed is ACB SW ERROR.
• Observe whether the alarm occurs during power-up, during system checkout, after the machine has been running, intermittently during use, or after a previous unexpected reset or shutdown.
• Check for associated symptoms such as a system malfunction message, failed startup, failed checkout, touchscreen or control response issues, ventilation unavailable or limited, repeated rebooting, or freezing.
• Record the exact behavior before attempting repeated restarts.

3. Power Down and Reboot the System

• Remove the machine from clinical use before rebooting.
• Turn the system off using the normal shutdown process when possible.
• Allow the system to fully power down before restarting.
• Restore power and restart the Aisys.
• Observe startup and check whether the ACB SW ERROR returns.
• If the reboot clears the alarm and the system passes checkout, document the event and return the device to service according to facility policy.

4. Check AC Power Source

• Verify the anesthesia machine is connected to a known-good hospital-grade outlet.
• Confirm the power cord is fully seated at the wall and at the machine.
• Check for damaged plugs, loose connections, or signs of power interruption.
• Avoid extension cords, questionable power strips, or unstable power sources.
• Restart the machine after stable AC power is confirmed.

5. Check Battery and Power Status

• Confirm the machine is not unexpectedly running on battery.
• Check for battery-related alarms, low battery messages, or no battery backup messages.
• Leave the unit connected to AC power if the battery charge is low.
• Restart the system after stable AC power and battery status are confirmed.

6. Inspect External Connections and Modules

• Check externally accessible cables, modules, and connectors for obvious issues.
• Look for loose connections, damaged cables, recently added or removed modules, liquid contamination, impact damage, or poorly seated accessories.
• Reseat only external user-accessible connections that are appropriate for Clinical Engineering inspection.
• Do not open the machine or perform internal disassembly as part of basic troubleshooting.

7. Review Recent Service or Software Activity

• Ask whether the machine recently had software updates, service work, board replacement, a power event, failed checkout, unexpected shutdown, network changes, or configuration changes.
• Compare the timing of the ACB SW ERROR to any recent work.
• Document any service history that may help isolate the cause.

8. Repeat Startup and Checkout

• After power, battery, and external checks are complete, restart the machine again.
• Run the appropriate anesthesia machine checkout.
• Watch for ACB SW ERROR returning, system malfunction messages, freezing, restart behavior, checkout failure, or ventilation-related faults.
• If the alarm does not return and checkout passes, return the unit to service according to facility policy.

9. Reload ACB Software if the Alarm Persists

• If the ACB SW ERROR returns after reboot and external checks, perform or arrange for ACB software reload according to the approved service process and facility policy.
• Do not attempt unsupported software loading or unofficial software changes.
• After reload, restart the machine and repeat checkout.
• If the reload clears the alarm and the machine passes checkout, document the corrective action and final test results.

10. Determine Whether the Fault Is Device-Related

• If the alarm returns after reboot and ACB software reload, treat the issue as a likely device-level ACB failure.
• Do not continue repeated clinical checkout attempts if the same system malfunction keeps returning.
• Escalate the unit for repair or bench evaluation.
• Replace the ACB only if supported by approved service procedure, parts availability, and facility policy.

If the Problem Persists

If ACB SW ERROR continues after reboot, power checks, battery checks, external inspection, and ACB software reload, the basic external causes have been ruled out.

• Remove the anesthesia machine from service.
• Label the machine Out of Service.
• Document the alarm, when it occurred, and what checks were completed.
• Send the unit for repair or bench evaluation.
• Replace the ACB if supported by service procedure, parts availability, and facility policy.

Persistent ACB SW ERROR strongly indicates an internal control board or software integrity problem. Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot an ACB SW ERROR on an active patient. Move the patient to a backup anesthesia machine or approved backup ventilation method first. A system malfunction on an anesthesia machine should be treated as a patient safety issue until the machine is verified safe, stable, and able to pass checkout.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"GE Healthcare Aisys anesthesia machine reported ACB SW ERROR. Staff reported system malfunction during startup or checkout. Unit removed from patient use for evaluation."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Confirmed ACB SW ERROR on restart. External power, battery status, and visible external connections were checked. Alarm persisted after reboot, indicating likely ACB software or control board fault."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Removed unit from service and labeled Out of Service. Reboot performed and external checks completed. ACB software reload required. If alarm persists after reload, ACB replacement or repair evaluation required before return to service."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Alarm behavior
• Accessories swapped
• Power behavior
• Environmental factors
• Indicator lights
• Final device status

Final Thought

ACB SW ERROR should be handled as a real anesthesia machine system malfunction, not a nuisance alarm. Start with patient safety, confirm the alarm, check power and external causes, reboot appropriately, then escalate to software reload or ACB replacement when the fault persists. Clear CCR documentation helps show what was checked, what was ruled out, and why the device was removed from service.

That is successful troubleshooting.