Kangaroo OMNI Feeding Pump

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What This Guide Helps With

This guide provides a structured Clinical Engineering approach when a Kangaroo Omni feeding pump is generating Air-in-Line alarms.

The focus is on simple, external, and easily verifiable causes—such as improper priming, loose connections, empty feeding bags, or cassette seating—before assuming internal air sensor failure. These steps prioritize patient safety and proper escalation.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure the Patient Is Safe

Confirm the feeding has been paused appropriately and the patient is clinically stable.
If needed, transition the patient to another feeding pump before continuing troubleshooting.

Verify the Feeding Bag Is Not Empty

Check the formula bag. A nearly empty or empty bag is the most common cause of air entering the tubing.
If empty, replace the bag and re-prime the set.

Inspect the Tubing for Visible Air

Visually inspect the entire length of tubing from bag to patient.
Look for:
Air gaps
Large bubbles
Foam (common with certain formulas)
Even small air pockets near the cassette can trigger the sensor.

Re-Prime the Feeding Set

Use the pump’s prime function to fully purge air from the tubing.
Ensure formula completely fills the tubing with no visible bubbles before reconnecting to the patient.

Check Cassette Seating

Open the pump access panel and remove the feeding set cassette.
Inspect for:
Improper seating
Kinked tubing within the cassette path
Residual formula preventing proper alignment
Reseat the cassette firmly and close the panel completely.

Inspect All Luer and Tubing Connections

Check for loose connections between:
Feeding bag and tubing
Tubing and extension sets
Extension set and patient tube
Loose fittings can draw air into the line without visible leakage.

Evaluate Formula Type and Foam

Some formulas produce foam during shaking or transport.
If foam is present:
Allow the bag to sit upright for several minutes
Avoid aggressive squeezing or shaking
Re-prime slowly

Swap the Feeding Set (If Needed)

If alarms persist after proper priming and inspection, replace the disposable feeding set.
Micro-leaks or manufacturing defects can introduce air intermittently.

Test the Pump Without a Patient

After corrections, run the pump briefly off the patient into a container to confirm the alarm does not recur before returning to service.

If the Problem Persists

If air-in-line alarms continue after:

Confirmed full priming
Verified no visible air
Replaced feeding bag
Replaced feeding set
Confirmed proper cassette seating

The issue may involve an internal air detection sensor or cassette pressure system.

Remove the pump from service
Label it Out of Service
Send for bench evaluation or repair

Knowing when to stop and escalate is proper troubleshooting.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot an air-in-line alarm on an actively feeding patient.

Pause feeding and ensure patient stability first.

Air alarms are a safety feature designed to prevent air delivery into the GI tract. Always clear air completely before resuming feeding.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
Nursing reports pump alarming “Air in Line” repeatedly and feeding will not continue.

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
Air observed in tubing near cassette. Feeding bag nearly empty. Foam present in formula.

No visible air. Alarm persisted after re-priming. Suspected internal air sensor issue.

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
Replaced feeding bag and fully re-primed tubing. Alarm cleared. Pump tested and returned to service.

Replaced feeding set and verified proper cassette seating. Alarm resolved.

Removed pump from service for further evaluation after repeated alarms with no visible air source.

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

Was the bag empty or low?
Was visible air present?
Was tubing re-primed?
Was feeding set replaced?
Cassette reseated?
Formula type noted?
Alarm behavior (continuous vs intermittent)?
Final device status (returned to service or sent for repair)?

Final Thought

Air-in-line alarms are commonly caused by incomplete priming, loose connections, or empty feeding bags. A calm, visual inspection and systematic correction of simple causes will resolve most cases. When external causes are ruled out, proper escalation protects both the patient and the integrity of the equipment program. Clear documentation ensures traceability and supports future trend analysis.

That is successful troubleshooting.