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Asset Type
Viscoelastic Hemostasis Analyzer
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots loss of power, unexpected shutdown, intermittent operation, outlet, cord, connection, accessory, and environmental causes before internal power failure is suspected.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect Patient Testing and Preserve Results
If the analyzer shuts down unexpectedly, do not continue using it for patient testing until reliable power is verified.
Move clinically necessary testing to another verified analyzer or approved alternate workflow.
Expected outcome: Patient testing is transferred away from an analyzer with unreliable power.
2. Confirm the Shutdown Pattern
Determine whether:
- The analyzer will not power on.
- It powers on and immediately shuts down.
- Shutdown occurs randomly.
- Shutdown occurs when the cord or connector moves.
- Only one outlet is associated with the problem.
- The analyzer restarts by itself.
Expected outcome: The power failure pattern is documented before components are disturbed.
3. Inspect the Power Cord and Plug
Check externally for:
- Cuts.
- Fraying.
- Crushed insulation.
- Bent or damaged plug components.
- Loose connection.
- Signs of overheating or discoloration.
Remove damaged power accessories from use.
Expected outcome: The cord and plug are intact and securely connected. Replace an approved damaged detachable cord when appropriate and retest.
4. Verify the Wall Outlet
Test the outlet using an approved method or move the analyzer to a known-good suitable outlet.
If the branch circuit or receptacle is suspect, involve Facilities or the appropriate electrical support team.
Expected outcome: Reliable facility power is confirmed. If the analyzer operates normally on another verified outlet, the analyzer may not be the cause.
5. Check the Analyzer Power Connection
Verify the power connector is fully inserted and not loose.
Gently inspect for excessive movement without stressing the connector.
Expected outcome: The connection remains stable and the analyzer does not lose power when normally positioned.
6. Remove Nonessential External Accessories
Disconnect nonessential external USB or other accessories if they can be safely removed and are not needed for the power-on test.
Expected outcome: If the analyzer becomes stable with an accessory removed, evaluate the accessory separately.
7. Inspect the Environment
Check for:
- Blocked ventilation.
- Excessive heat.
- Liquid spills.
- Condensation.
- Dust accumulation around accessible ventilation areas.
- Placement against surfaces that restrict airflow.
Do not open the chassis for cleaning.
Expected outcome: The analyzer is dry, adequately ventilated, and operating in a suitable environment.
8. Perform a Controlled Power-Up
Connect the analyzer to a verified power source and perform a normal startup.
Observe for:
- Stable power.
- Normal display.
- Complete startup.
- No odor, abnormal heat, or sound.
- No repeated restart.
Expected outcome: The analyzer starts normally and remains powered.
9. Perform an Extended Functional Verification
Allow the analyzer to remain powered through an appropriate observation period and approved functional checks.
Verify:
- No spontaneous shutdown.
- Stable touchscreen operation.
- Cartridge recognition.
- Normal test setup.
- No power-related message or reboot.
Expected outcome: Power remains stable through functional verification. Troubleshooting can stop if the original cause was external and all return-to-service requirements are satisfied.
10. Escalate Any Recurrent Power Instability
Immediately remove the analyzer from service if it:
- Shuts down again.
- Emits an unusual odor.
- Becomes abnormally hot.
- Shows visible electrical damage.
- Has a loose or damaged power inlet.
- Cannot complete startup reliably.
Expected outcome: The analyzer is prevented from clinical use until qualified bench evaluation confirms reliable operation.
If the Problem Persists
External causes involving power cord, plug, outlet, connector seating, accessories, ventilation, and environmental conditions have been ruled out. Remaining causes may involve the internal power supply, power distribution, protective circuitry, thermal management, internal connections, or other service-level electronics.
The device should be:
- Removed from service.
- Labeled Out of Service.
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation.
- Evaluated using appropriate manufacturer documentation and approved electrical-safety and functional test equipment.
- Repaired only by qualified personnel.
Complete appropriate electrical-safety, startup, functional, and QC testing before return to service.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
An analyzer that has unexpectedly lost power should not be trusted for time-sensitive testing until stable operation has been demonstrated and any interrupted assay is handled appropriately.
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 unexpectedly shut down during routine operation and would intermittently lose power."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the detachable power cord was loose at the analyzer and the connection would separate with normal equipment movement."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Replaced the damaged detachable power cord with an approved known-good cord, verified stable startup and operation without further shutdowns, completed functional verification, and returned the analyzer to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Whether shutdown occurred during testing.
- Power cord condition.
- Plug condition.
- Analyzer power inlet condition.
- Outlet tested.
- Known-good outlet result.
- Known-good cord result.
- External accessories connected.
- Heat, odor, or abnormal sound.
- Restart behavior.
- Duration of stable verification.
- Final device status.
- Whether shutdown occurred during testing.
- Power cord condition.
- Plug condition.
- Analyzer power inlet condition.
- Outlet tested.
- Known-good outlet result.
- Known-good cord result.
- External accessories connected.
- Heat, odor, or abnormal sound.
- Restart behavior.
- Duration of stable verification.
- Final device status.
Final Thought
Treat unexpected shutdown as a reliability and patient-workflow concern, verify external power components before assuming internal failure, require stable operation before release, and escalate recurrent power problems promptly.
That is successful troubleshooting.