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What This Guide Helps With
Addresses oxygen calibration or FiO2 discrepancies caused by oxygen supply, circuit setup, sensor condition, configuration, leaks, or calibration-related problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient
If delivered oxygen concentration is questionable, move the patient to another verified ventilator or maintain therapy with an appropriate alternate device.
Do not troubleshoot questionable oxygen delivery while a patient depends on the ventilator.
Expected outcome: The patient receives reliable oxygen therapy independently of the affected unit.
2. Confirm the Reported Oxygen Problem
Determine whether the issue is a calibration failure, unstable oxygen reading, discrepancy between set and measured FiO2, or another oxygen-related message.
Use an approved external oxygen analyzer when clinically or technically appropriate.
Expected outcome: The oxygen discrepancy is confirmed or ruled out using an independent method.
3. Verify the Oxygen Source
Inspect the oxygen hose and fittings for secure connection, damage, kinks, or leakage.
Verify that the connected oxygen source is available and appropriate using an approved external method.
Expected outcome: A reliable oxygen source is connected. If restoring the source resolves the problem, repeat calibration and functional verification.
4. Inspect the Breathing Circuit
Check for major leaks, disconnected tubing, incorrectly installed components, open ports, or other conditions that could affect oxygen delivery or measurement.
Expected outcome: The patient circuit is complete and leak-free to the extent required for testing.
5. Confirm Relevant Settings and Configuration
Review the intended oxygen setting and any normal user-accessible configuration affecting oxygen delivery. Do not enter unauthorized service menus or change protected calibration values.
Expected outcome: The ventilator is configured as intended for the test condition.
6. Perform the Approved Oxygen Calibration
With the ventilator configured correctly and a verified oxygen source available, perform the normal approved calibration procedure available to trained personnel.
Do not bypass failed calibration or force acceptance of questionable values.
Expected outcome: Calibration completes normally. If it succeeds and independent oxygen measurement is accurate and stable, troubleshooting can stop after final testing.
7. Inspect Replaceable Oxygen-Sensing Components
If the installed oxygen-sensing component is externally accessible and approved for routine replacement, inspect it for age-related deterioration, contamination, loose installation, or obvious damage.
Do not disassemble internal sensing assemblies.
Expected outcome: The oxygen-sensing component is properly installed and appears serviceable.
8. Use a Known-Good Approved Component if Applicable
Where the oxygen-sensing element is an approved replaceable item, substitute a known-good compatible component and repeat calibration.
Expected outcome: Calibration and FiO2 measurement return to normal. Replace the defective sensing component and complete performance testing.
9. Verify FiO2 With Approved Test Equipment
Operate the ventilator into an appropriate test load and compare delivered oxygen concentration with an approved calibrated oxygen analyzer.
Expected outcome: Delivered and indicated oxygen performance are acceptable under applicable manufacturer and department criteria. Troubleshooting can stop when full verification is successful.
10. Escalate Persistent Oxygen Errors
If calibration repeatedly fails or oxygen delivery remains inaccurate after verifying source, circuit, settings, and approved replaceable components, discontinue external troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: The unit stays out of service for qualified oxygen-system evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
Common external oxygen supply, circuit, configuration, and replaceable sensing causes have been ruled out. The issue may involve internal oxygen sensing, pneumatic mixing, calibration, valves, electronics, or another service-level condition.
Remove the ventilator from service, label it Out of Service, and send it for repair or bench evaluation using appropriate Getinge documentation and approved oxygen/ventilator test equipment.
After corrective action, verify oxygen concentration, ventilation performance, alarms, and the complete pre-use check before return to service.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Never rely solely on the ventilator's displayed FiO2 when oxygen accuracy itself is the reported problem; verify with appropriate independent test equipment.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Respiratory Therapy reported that the Servo-air failed oxygen calibration and displayed an FiO2 value inconsistent with the selected setting."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the oxygen supply hose was not fully connected to the source."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering secured the oxygen connection, completed oxygen calibration successfully, verified delivered oxygen with an approved analyzer, and returned the ventilator to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Calibration failure or displayed message
- Set versus measured FiO2
- Oxygen source tested
- Hose and fitting condition
- Circuit leak status
- Sensor or cell condition
- Calibration result
- External analyzer result
- Final device status
Final Thought
Protect oxygen delivery first, verify source and setup before assuming sensor failure, use independent measurement when needed, and escalate any ventilator whose oxygen performance cannot be proven reliable.
That is successful troubleshooting.