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Asset Type
Viscoelastic Hemostasis Analyzer
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots cartridge recognition, insertion, seating, packaging, compatibility, contamination, and analyzer loading problems before assuming an internal device failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect Patient Care and Confirm the Reported Condition
Do not delay time-sensitive coagulation assessment while troubleshooting an unreliable analyzer. If results are clinically needed, direct testing to another verified analyzer or approved alternate laboratory workflow.
Confirm whether the cartridge:
- Cannot be physically inserted.
- Will not remain seated.
- Is inserted but not detected.
- Produces a cartridge-related message.
- Is rejected only on one analyzer or with one cartridge lot.
Expected outcome: The exact failure condition is reproduced without interfering with patient care. If the problem cannot be reproduced and repeated testing with an appropriate cartridge succeeds, troubleshooting can stop after verification.
2. Inspect the Assay Cartridge
Verify the cartridge is the correct type for the intended assay and is within its labeled use conditions. Inspect the package and cartridge for:
- Damage.
- Cracks.
- Warping.
- Contamination.
- Wet surfaces.
- Damaged labels or identification features.
- Evidence of improper storage or handling.
Do not use a visibly compromised disposable.
Expected outcome: The cartridge is intact, appropriate for use, and free of visible damage or contamination. Replace a questionable cartridge and retest; if recognition is restored, troubleshooting can stop.
3. Verify Correct Cartridge Orientation and Seating
Remove the cartridge and inspect the loading area externally. Reinsert the cartridge using the normal loading orientation without excessive force.
Check for:
- Partial insertion.
- Obstruction.
- Misalignment.
- Packaging material or debris.
- Resistance inconsistent with normal loading.
Do not force the cartridge or disassemble the loading mechanism.
Expected outcome: The cartridge inserts smoothly and seats normally. If the analyzer recognizes the cartridge after proper reseating, the issue is resolved.
4. Try a Known-Good Cartridge
Use an appropriate known-good cartridge when available. If practical, select one from a different package or lot to distinguish an analyzer problem from a disposable problem.
Expected outcome: A known-good cartridge is recognized normally. If so, remove the suspect cartridge from use and document the disposable-related finding.
5. Compare the Suspect Cartridge on Another Verified Analyzer
If another TEG 6s analyzer is available and local workflow permits, test whether the suspect cartridge is recognized there without using it for patient testing if its integrity is questionable.
Expected outcome: If the cartridge fails on multiple analyzers while known-good cartridges work, the problem is likely cartridge-related. If multiple cartridges fail only on one analyzer, continue troubleshooting that analyzer.
6. Inspect the Cartridge Loading Area
With the analyzer not actively testing, visually inspect the accessible cartridge-loading area for:
- Debris.
- Dried material.
- Foreign objects.
- Visible mechanical damage.
- Signs of liquid intrusion.
Clean only accessible surfaces using approved cleaning practices. Do not probe internal mechanisms.
Expected outcome: The loading area is clean, dry, unobstructed, and visibly intact. If cleaning restores normal cartridge recognition, troubleshooting can stop after functional verification.
7. Verify Analyzer Power and Normal Operating State
Confirm the analyzer completed startup normally and is not displaying unrelated startup, software, or system errors.
If the analyzer appears unstable, perform a normal restart according to the approved clinical workflow.
Expected outcome: The analyzer reaches its normal ready state and accepts a known-good cartridge. If so, the issue is resolved.
8. Check Environmental and Handling Conditions
Verify the analyzer is:
- On a stable surface.
- Free from excessive vibration.
- Not exposed to spills or condensation.
- Operating in an appropriate clinical environment.
- Not being loaded immediately after a cartridge has been subjected to visibly unsuitable handling conditions.
Expected outcome: Environmental or handling factors are ruled out. Correct any evident condition and retest.
9. Perform Functional Verification
Load an appropriate known-good cartridge and confirm:
- Normal recognition.
- Normal on-screen progression.
- No recurrent loading or detection error.
- Analyzer remains stable through the initial test setup sequence.
Do not use a patient sample solely for troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: Cartridge recognition and loading operate repeatedly as expected. The analyzer may be returned to service if all required local verification is satisfactory.
10. Escalate if Cartridge Recognition Remains Unreliable
If multiple known-good cartridges are not recognized, the loading mechanism appears damaged, or recognition remains intermittent, stop external troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: The analyzer is removed from clinical use and referred for qualified bench evaluation rather than repeatedly attempted in patient care.
If the Problem Persists
Common external causes such as cartridge condition, orientation, seating, debris, power state, and environmental factors have been ruled out. The remaining problem may involve the cartridge-detection system, loading mechanism, internal electronics, software, or another service-level condition.
The device should be:
- Removed from service.
- Labeled Out of Service.
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation.
- Evaluated using appropriate manufacturer documentation and approved test equipment.
- Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel.
After correction, perform applicable functional and return-to-service testing before clinical use.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
If coagulation results are urgently required, move testing to another verified analyzer or approved laboratory pathway before troubleshooting the affected unit.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Laboratory staff reported that the TEG 6s would not recognize an assay cartridge after insertion."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the original cartridge was not seating correctly, while a known-good cartridge loaded and was immediately recognized."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed the suspect cartridge from use, verified repeated recognition with an appropriate known-good cartridge, and returned the analyzer to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact cartridge-related message.
- Cartridge type and lot.
- Cartridge package condition.
- Whether multiple cartridges were tested.
- Known-good cartridge result.
- Loading resistance or seating condition.
- Visible debris or contamination.
- Startup status.
- Whether another TEG 6s recognized the cartridge.
- Final analyzer status.
- Exact cartridge-related message.
- Cartridge type and lot.
- Cartridge package condition.
- Whether multiple cartridges were tested.
- Known-good cartridge result.
- Loading resistance or seating condition.
- Visible debris or contamination.
- Startup status.
- Whether another TEG 6s recognized the cartridge.
- Final analyzer status.
Final Thought
Protect patient care first, verify the disposable and loading conditions before assuming internal failure, perform a repeatable functional check, escalate persistent recognition problems, and document what was actually found and corrected.
That is successful troubleshooting.