GE Healthcare Giraffe OmniBed Carestation

Air Temperature Reading Incorrect or Unstable

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Asset Type

Infant Incubator

Manufacturer

GE Healthcare

Model

Giraffe OmniBed Carestation

What This Guide Helps With

Troubleshoots incorrect or unstable incubator air temperature readings caused by setup, airflow, open panels, environment, contamination, or sensor-related problems.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Protect the Infant From Unreliable Thermal Control

Do not troubleshoot unstable incubator temperature while an infant depends on that temperature for thermal support.

Move the infant to another verified thermal-support device or establish another clinically approved method of maintaining temperature.

Expected outcome: The infant remains thermally supported while the OmniBed is evaluated.

2. Confirm the Reported Temperature Problem

Determine whether staff observed:

Record the operating mode, displayed air temperature, selected temperature, and enclosure configuration.

Expected outcome: The exact condition and operating setup are documented.

3. Verify the OmniBed Is Configured as Intended

Confirm the hood, doors, portholes, mattress, and other enclosure components are in the intended positions for incubator operation.

A partially open door, unlatched panel, or frequent access can disturb the controlled air environment.

Expected outcome: The enclosure is correctly positioned and closed for stable incubator operation. If correcting an open or improperly seated panel stabilizes temperature, troubleshooting can stop after verification.

4. Check Airflow Openings and External Obstructions

Inspect accessible air intake, outlet, and circulation areas for linens, equipment, packaging, dust buildup, or other obstructions.

Do not insert tools into ventilation openings or disassemble the air-handling system during this external check.

Expected outcome: Air can circulate freely through accessible airflow paths.

5. Check the Room Environment

Determine whether the OmniBed is located next to an HVAC supply, exterior door, strong draft, direct heat source, sunlight, or other environmental influence.

If practical, evaluate the device in a stable room environment.

Expected outcome: The air-temperature problem is not being created by an abnormal external thermal environment.

6. Allow the Thermal Environment to Stabilize

After opening the enclosure, moving the device, or changing operating conditions, allow the OmniBed appropriate time to stabilize according to applicable operating and service guidance.

Avoid judging sensor accuracy from an immediately changing environment.

Expected outcome: The displayed air temperature settles rather than continuously drifting.

7. Compare With an Approved Independent Measurement

Using an appropriate calibrated temperature measurement device and the facility's approved test method, compare the OmniBed's displayed air temperature with an independent reference.

Position the test instrument as required by the applicable service procedure rather than choosing an arbitrary location in the enclosure.

Expected outcome: Displayed and independently measured temperatures agree within the applicable manufacturer requirements. If they do, troubleshooting can stop.

8. Inspect for Conditions Affecting the Air Sensor

Inspect accessible sensor areas and surrounding airflow paths for contamination, moisture, blocked airflow, or physical damage.

Do not adjust calibration values or access restricted service settings without authorization.

Expected outcome: No external contamination, obstruction, or visible damage explains the reading.

9. Perform Approved Calibration Verification if Required

If the independent comparison indicates a genuine measurement error, use the applicable GE Healthcare service documentation and approved test equipment to verify calibration.

Calibration should be performed only by qualified personnel when indicated, not used to compensate for an unresolved environmental or airflow problem.

Expected outcome: The air-temperature measurement passes applicable verification after any authorized corrective action.

If the Problem Persists

If enclosure position, airflow, room environment, stabilization, and independent measurement have been checked, the problem may involve the air-temperature sensing system, fan or airflow performance, control electronics, calibration, or another internal thermal-control component.

The OmniBed should be:

Complete applicable temperature-control, alarm, and functional verification before return to service.

Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate is proper troubleshooting.

Clinical Use Tip

Do not rely on an incubator with unstable air-temperature control for a thermally vulnerable infant, even if the displayed value occasionally appears normal.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"NICU staff reported that the displayed incubator air temperature fluctuated significantly during use."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Clinical Engineering found an enclosure access panel was not fully latched, allowing continuous room-air intrusion."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Corrected the panel position, verified stable enclosure temperature with an approved independent measurement, and completed functional testing before return to service."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

Final Thought

Thermal-control complaints should be approached from enclosure condition, airflow, and environment inward. Verify the reading independently before assuming sensor failure, and remove the OmniBed from service whenever stable thermal support cannot be demonstrated.

That is successful troubleshooting.

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