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Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Flow or pressure alarms caused by blocked channels, improper scope connections, or water/air flow restrictions during reprocessing cycles.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Do not troubleshoot while a scope is needed for a patient. Remove the AER from use if a cycle cannot be completed.
- Expected: No impact to patient care while troubleshooting
- Why it matters: Incomplete reprocessing creates infection risk
Verify the Alarm and Cycle Stage
- Confirm the exact alarm message and when it occurs (leak test, wash, rinse, or purge).
- Expected: Alarm is repeatable at a specific stage
- Why it matters: Identifies whether issue is air, water, or channel-related
Check Scope Connection and Channel Hookups (Most Common Cause)
- Ensure all channel connectors are properly attached and matched to the correct ports.
- Disconnect and reconnect all channel lines
- Verify correct hookup configuration for the scope type
- Ensure no loose or partially seated fittings
- Expected: Secure, correct connections with no leaks
- Why it matters: Misconnection restricts flow and triggers pressure alarms
Inspect for Kinked or Damaged Tubing
- Check all external tubing (AER hoses and scope channels) for kinks, bends, or compression.
- Straighten any bent tubing
- Replace visibly damaged or collapsed lines
- Expected: Smooth, unobstructed tubing paths
- Why it matters: Physical restriction directly causes flow/pressure alarms
Check Scope Channels for Obstruction
- A clogged scope channel is a frequent cause.
- Remove the scope from the AER
- Manually flush channels using approved flushing device
- Observe for restricted or uneven flow
- Expected: Free, consistent flow through all channels
- Why it matters: Debris or bioburden blocks flow and increases pressure
Verify Filters and Water Supply
- Check incoming water supply and system filters.
- Confirm water supply is ON and within normal pressure
- Inspect and replace inlet filters if clogged
- Expected: Adequate, consistent water flow
- Why it matters: Low or restricted supply can mimic blockage conditions
Inspect Internal AER Channel Connectors (External Access Only)
- Check accessible ports and connectors for buildup or debris.
- Visually inspect ports for residue
- Clean per manufacturer-approved methods (no disassembly)
- Expected: Clean, unobstructed connectors
- Why it matters: Debris at connection points restricts flow
Run a Cycle Without a Scope (Isolation Test)
- Operate the AER empty or with test fixtures if available.
- Expected: No flow/pressure alarms occur
- Why it matters: Helps determine if issue is scope-related vs AER-related
- If alarm clears → issue is likely with the scope
- If alarm persists → issue likely within AER system
If the Problem Persists
After ruling out scope blockage, tubing issues, connections, and water supply, the problem is likely internal (pump, valves, or pressure sensors).
Remove the unit from service, label it Out of Service, and send for repair or bench evaluation.
Do not continue repeated cycles, as improper flow compromises disinfection quality.
Clinical Use Tip
Never attempt to troubleshoot flow or pressure alarms with a contaminated scope intended for patient use. Always use a clean or test scope when verifying operation.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"AER alarming with flow/pressure error during wash cycle and aborting process."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Obstruction found in endoscope biopsy channel restricting flow."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Flushed and cleared channel; verified normal operation with successful cycle completion."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm message and cycle stage
- Scope type and channel configuration
- Tubing condition (kinks, damage)
- Filter condition
- Water supply status
- Results of scope flush test
- Results of empty cycle test
- Final device status
Final Thought
Flow and pressure alarms are most often caused by external restrictions, not internal failure. A structured approach—starting with connections, tubing, and scope condition—prevents unnecessary downtime and ensures safe reprocessing. Recognizing when the issue is internal and escalating appropriately protects both patients and equipment reliability.
That is successful troubleshooting.