On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting ICU Medical Colleague infusion pumps that fail to maintain a charge or display low battery alarms despite normal usage. The focus is on external and easily verifiable causes such as power connections, battery condition, and environmental factors before assuming internal battery or module failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Verify AC Power Source
- Ensure the pump is plugged into a known working outlet.
- Check for loose connections, tripped breakers, or outlet damage.
- Why it matters: A faulty power source can prevent battery charging or give false low-battery warnings.
Inspect Power Cord and Adapter
- Examine for frayed wires, kinks, or loose connectors.
- Swap with a known good cord if available.
- Why it matters: Damaged cords can interrupt charging without alerting the user.
Check Battery Seating
- Remove the battery pack and reseat it securely in the pump.
- Ensure battery contacts are clean and free of debris.
- Why it matters: Poor contact can prevent charging even if the battery is healthy.
Assess Battery Age and Condition
- Confirm the battery is within the manufacturer’s recommended replacement period.
- Look for swelling, leakage, or discoloration.
- Why it matters: Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time and may not hold a charge.
Attempt a Charge Cycle
- Connect the pump to AC power and allow a full charge cycle (as per manufacturer instructions).
- Monitor if the battery indicator progresses to full charge.
- Why it matters: Confirms whether the battery can accept a charge under normal conditions.
Swap with a Known Good Battery (If Available)
- Install a spare battery and repeat the charge test.
- Why it matters: Confirms whether the issue is with the battery or the pump’s charging system.
Check for Environmental Factors
- Ensure the pump is not in extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold), which can affect charging.
- Why it matters: Environmental extremes can cause temporary battery failure.
If the Problem Persists
If the battery does not hold a charge after verifying power, cord integrity, battery seating, and swapping with a known good battery:
- Remove the pump from service
- Label it “Out of Service”
- Send for repair or bench evaluation
Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting—do not attempt internal battery repair.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not rely on a pump with an unreliable battery for patient infusions.
Move the patient to a pump with verified power before attempting troubleshooting.
Only handle battery inspection or replacement when the device is not in use for patient care.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
Pump fails to maintain battery charge; low battery alarms observed.
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
Battery did not accept a full charge despite AC power verified; no visible damage to pump or cord.
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
Pump removed from service; battery module flagged for replacement; unit sent to Biomedical Engineering bench for evaluation.
Helpful Details to Include
- AC outlet tested and confirmed functional
- Power cord swapped with known good unit
- Battery contacts cleaned and reseated
- Attempted charge cycle logged
- Ambient temperature noted
Final Thought
Patient safety is paramount—an unreliable battery can interrupt therapy. Troubleshooting should follow a logical, stepwise approach: start external, verify connections and environment, assess battery condition, and escalate when necessary. Documentation ensures continuity of care and proper tracking of maintenance actions.
That is successful troubleshooting.