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What This Guide Helps With
This guide helps troubleshoot the Battery unusable while delivering alarm on the ICU Medical CADD-Solis infusion pump. This is a high-priority alarm that may occur when the pump detects batteries that cannot provide proper power while medication delivery is active.
This condition can interrupt therapy, stop reliable pump operation, or prevent the pump from safely continuing delivery until the power source issue is corrected.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Confirm whether the pump is connected to an active patient.
- If therapy is still needed, have clinical staff move the patient to a backup pump before troubleshooting.
- Do not continue using the pump for patient care while the battery condition is unresolved.
- Verify medication delivery status before making any power source changes.
Confirm the Alarm
- Verify the display shows Battery unusable while delivering.
- Confirm whether the alarm occurred during active delivery, after battery replacement, or after the pump was removed from AC power.
- Ask staff what type of batteries were installed when the alarm occurred.
Use Only Approved Batteries
- Install four approved AA alkaline batteries, or use the CADD-Solis rechargeable battery pack.
- Do not use rechargeable NiCd batteries.
- Do not use rechargeable NiMH batteries.
- Do not use carbon zinc batteries.
- Do not use “heavy duty” batteries.
- Confirm all batteries are installed in the correct orientation.
Check for Battery Damage or Poor Contact
- Remove the batteries and inspect them for leakage, corrosion, swelling, or damage.
- Inspect the battery compartment for debris, residue, moisture, or contamination.
- Check that the battery contacts are clean and making firm contact.
- Replace any questionable batteries with new approved batteries.
Check the Battery Door and External Power Option
- Confirm the battery door closes fully and holds the batteries securely in place.
- Inspect the battery door for cracks, looseness, or damage that could allow poor battery contact.
- If available, connect the pump to AC power and confirm whether the alarm clears.
- Do not return the pump to use until the power source is stable and the alarm does not return.
Verify Operation Before Returning to Use
- Power the pump using approved batteries or the rechargeable battery pack.
- Confirm the battery status appears normal.
- Check that the alarm clears and does not immediately return.
- Verify delivery status and pump setup according to facility procedure before returning the pump to clinical use.
If the Problem Persists
If approved batteries or the approved rechargeable battery pack have been installed, battery orientation has been verified, the battery door and contacts have been inspected, and AC power has been checked but the alarm continues, remove the pump from service.
Label the device Out of Service and send it for repair or bench evaluation. Possible external causes have been ruled out, and the pump may require further testing of the battery contacts, power path, battery door fit, or internal power circuitry by qualified service personnel.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot this alarm on an active patient if therapy could be interrupted. Move the patient to a backup pump first, then inspect batteries, contacts, and power accessories away from active patient use.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"ICU Medical CADD-Solis infusion pump displayed Battery unusable while delivering alarm during use."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Pump had non-approved batteries installed. Battery contacts and battery compartment were inspected with no leakage or damage found."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Installed approved AA alkaline batteries, verified battery orientation, confirmed alarm cleared, checked pump power behavior, and verified device ready for use per facility procedure."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm behavior
- Accessories swapped
- Power behavior
- Environmental factors
- Indicator lights
- Final device status
Final Thought
A battery unusable alarm during delivery should be treated as a patient safety and therapy continuity issue, not just a battery nuisance. Start with the approved power source, inspect for obvious battery or contact problems, verify stable operation, and escalate the pump if the alarm returns after external causes are ruled out.
That is successful troubleshooting.