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What This Guide Helps With
This guide addresses situations where a GE Healthcare R860 ventilator fails its pre-use check or self-test. It focuses on external and easily verifiable causes first—such as power, tubing, sensors, and accessories—before assuming internal hardware or board failure. The goal is to restore safe operation or escalate properly.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Verify Power Source
- Ensure the ventilator is connected to a verified working outlet or fully charged battery.
- Why: Low or unstable power can prevent a successful self-test.
Check Battery / Backup
- If on battery, ensure it is fully charged. Swap with a known good battery if available.
- Why: A weak battery can cause pre-use check failures.
Inspect External Connections
- Confirm that all patient circuits, filters, humidifiers, and sensors are properly connected and seated.
- Why: Loose or missing components often trigger self-test errors.
Check Oxygen Supply
- Ensure oxygen supply is on and within pressure range specified in the user guide.
- Why: Low or absent oxygen flow can cause self-test failure.
Verify Circuit and Tubing Integrity
- Examine inspiratory and expiratory circuits for leaks, kinks, or disconnections.
- Why: The ventilator tests for leaks during self-test; leaks cause failure.
Check Filters and Humidifiers
- Inspect and replace if clogged, wet, or incorrectly installed.
- Why: Obstructions affect pressure readings and self-test results.
Perform a Restart
- Power cycle the ventilator after all external checks.
- Why: Reset can clear transient faults affecting the pre-use check.
Review Error Messages
- Note any specific codes displayed during the failed self-test. Reference manufacturer troubleshooting charts.
- Why: Some error codes may indicate replaceable external components rather than internal failure.
If the Problem Persists
All external checks have been ruled out.
The failure is likely internal (board, sensor, or mechanical).
Action:
- Remove ventilator from service.
- Label as Out of Service.
- Send to manufacturer or authorized repair center for bench evaluation.
Knowing when to stop and escalate is proper Clinical Engineering troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
- Do not use on a patient while troubleshooting.
- Move patient to a backup ventilator or manual ventilation before beginning checks.
- Ensure all staff are aware the unit is under maintenance to prevent accidental patient use.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
“Ventilator fails pre-use check / self-test, displays error code 102.”
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
“Observed loose expiratory circuit connection and wet filter.”
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
“Reconnected circuit, replaced wet filter, power cycled ventilator, verified successful self-test.”
Helpful Details to Include
- Outlet verified with voltmeter.
- Battery tested or swapped.
- Circuit integrity verified (no leaks).
- Filters and humidifiers checked.
- Any error codes noted.
- Final status: Passes pre-use check after correction, ready for patient use.
Final Thought
Patient safety is paramount. A logical, stepwise approach ensures simple issues are addressed quickly while avoiding unnecessary internal intervention. Proper documentation supports accountability and future troubleshooting. Always escalate when external solutions fail.
That is successful troubleshooting.