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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots low or absent radiant heat caused by operating mode, setup, positioning, controls, sensors, power, or heater-system faults.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Infant From Loss of Heat
Do not troubleshoot a suspected radiant-warmer failure while an infant depends on the OmniBed for required warming.
Move the infant to another verified thermal-support device or establish another clinically approved source of heat before testing.
Expected outcome: Continuous safe thermal support is maintained independently of the suspected warmer.
2. Confirm the Reported Warmer Condition
Determine whether:
- No heat is produced
- Heater output appears lower than expected
- Heater energizes intermittently
- Heat is available in one mode but not another
- The problem began after conversion between incubator and warmer operation
- A temperature-control input is affecting heater demand
Observe the displayed operating mode and heater indication without making unauthorized configuration changes.
Expected outcome: The precise failure condition is identified.
3. Verify Correct Operating Configuration
Confirm the OmniBed is physically and electronically configured for the intended warmer operation.
Ensure the canopy and bed system are in the expected positions and that the selected operating mode is appropriate for the intended test.
Expected outcome: The warmer is in a valid operating condition. If proper setup restores expected heater operation, troubleshooting can stop after verification.
4. Verify AC Power
Radiant heating places significant demand on the device. Confirm the OmniBed is connected to a verified AC source with a secure, undamaged power cord.
Do not evaluate heater performance from questionable facility power.
Expected outcome: Stable AC power is available during the test.
5. Check Skin-Probe and Control Inputs
If the warmer is being operated in a patient-temperature-controlled mode, inspect the skin probe connection and verify the input is credible.
An incorrect patient-temperature signal can affect commanded heater output even when the heater itself is functional.
Expected outcome: Temperature-control inputs are present, stable, and reasonable for the selected operating mode.
6. Inspect the Radiant Heater Area
With the unit safely powered down as appropriate, visually inspect the external heater area and reflector for contamination, obvious physical damage, objects blocking the heat path, or evidence of overheating.
Do not touch a recently energized heater assembly until it has cooled.
Expected outcome: The radiant heat path is unobstructed and there is no obvious external damage.
7. Observe Heater Command and Response
Using the applicable approved functional test and without a patient present, determine whether the display indicates a heater command and whether measurable radiant warming occurs.
Do not bypass thermostats, safety cutoffs, temperature controls, or interlocks to force heater operation.
Expected outcome: Heater output responds appropriately to a valid commanded condition. If normal response is verified, troubleshooting can stop.
8. Verify With Approved Test Equipment
If output is still considered low, evaluate radiant warmer performance using the current manufacturer test procedure and approved test equipment.
Do not estimate radiant output by hand feel or surface-touch temperature.
Expected outcome: Heater performance meets the applicable manufacturer verification requirements.
9. Complete Safety and Functional Testing
After any corrective action, verify temperature controls, heater output, alarms, display indications, and applicable safety systems before return to service.
Expected outcome: The OmniBed produces controlled radiant heat reliably and passes required checks. Troubleshooting can stop.
If the Problem Persists
If mode, canopy position, AC power, control inputs, external obstruction, and approved heater testing have been addressed, the problem may involve the heater element, heater-control electronics, temperature-sensing system, safety circuit, wiring, or another internal component.
The OmniBed should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
- Evaluated using current GE Healthcare documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired only by qualified personnel
Do not bypass a thermal safety circuit to establish heater operation. Complete full applicable warmer-performance and safety verification before returning the device to patient care.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Low radiant heat can become clinically significant quickly in neonatal care; maintain alternate verified thermal support while the OmniBed is being evaluated.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"NICU staff reported that the OmniBed did not appear to produce radiant heat in warmer operation."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the unit was not fully positioned in the intended warmer configuration, preventing normal operation."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Corrected the operating configuration, verified normal heater response with approved functional testing, and returned the OmniBed to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Operating mode
- Heater output indication
- Canopy position
- AC power status
- Skin-probe status
- Heater-area obstruction or contamination
- Whether any warming was detected
- Approved heater test result
- Alarm behavior
- Final device status
- Operating mode
- Heater output indication
- Canopy position
- AC power status
- Skin-probe status
- Heater-area obstruction or contamination
- Whether any warming was detected
- Approved heater test result
- Alarm behavior
- Final device status
Final Thought
Before assuming heater failure, verify the OmniBed's operating configuration, power, control inputs, and unobstructed heat path. Never bypass thermal safeguards, and escalate any heater system that cannot demonstrate controlled, verified output.
That is successful troubleshooting.