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Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Addresses chemical dosing errors, low disinfectant alarms, or cycle failures related to improper disinfectant levels or delivery.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Do not attempt to troubleshoot while a scope is needed for immediate patient use.
- Remove the AER from clinical workflow if cycles cannot complete.
- Expected: No impact to patient care; alternate reprocessing method in use
- Why it matters: Incomplete disinfection creates infection risk
Verify the Error Message and Behavior
- Confirm the exact alarm or error on the display.
- Note the message (low disinfectant, dosing failure, or chemical error)
- Determine when it occurs (start of cycle, mid-cycle, or during fill phase)
- Expected: Error is consistent or reproducible
- Why it matters: Identifies whether this is a supply issue vs system-controlled dosing failure
Check Disinfectant Level (Most Common Cause)
- Inspect the disinfectant container level
- Ensure it is not empty or below minimum level
- Replace with a full, approved chemical if low
- Expected: Proper fluid level restored and error clears
- Why it matters: Low chemical supply is the most frequent cause of dosing errors
Verify Correct Chemical Type and Installation
- Confirm the correct disinfectant is installed for the system
- Ensure container is properly seated and connected
- Check that caps, seals, or pickup tubes are properly installed
- Expected: System recognizes chemical correctly
- Why it matters: Incorrect or improperly installed chemicals can prevent proper dosing
Inspect Chemical Pickup Tube and Connections
- Check tubing from the chemical container to the unit
- Look for kinks, disconnections, or air gaps
- Ensure pickup tube is fully submerged in the chemical
- Expected: Continuous, unobstructed fluid path
- Why it matters: Air in the line or blockage prevents accurate dosing
Check for Empty or Expired Chemical Container Sensors
- Inspect sensor indicators (if present) for chemical level detection
- Ensure float or level sensors are not stuck or obstructed
- Gently reseat container if needed
- Expected: Sensor properly detects chemical presence
- Why it matters: False “empty” readings will prevent dosing even if fluid is present
Run a Test Cycle or Prime Function
- Initiate a cycle or prime/flush function
- Observe whether chemical is drawn into the system
- Watch for alarms during dosing phase
- Expected: Chemical is pulled and cycle progresses normally
- Why it matters: Confirms whether the issue is resolved or persists during active operation
Check for External Leaks or Spills
- Inspect around chemical container, tubing, and internal chamber area
- Look for signs of leaking disinfectant
- Expected: No visible leaks
- Why it matters: Leaks reduce available volume and may trigger dosing errors
If the Problem Persists
If disinfectant level, connections, tubing, and sensors have been verified, the issue is likely internal (pump failure, valve issue, or sensor fault).
Remove the unit from service, label it Out of Service, and send for repair or bench evaluation.
Knowing when to stop prevents unnecessary risk and protects patient safety.
Clinical Use Tip
Always reprocess endoscopes on a verified, functioning AER. Never bypass chemical errors or attempt partial cycles, as this compromises disinfection effectiveness.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"AER displaying low disinfectant/dosing error and unable to complete cycle."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Disinfectant container empty causing dosing failure alarm."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Replaced disinfectant container, verified proper installation, and confirmed successful cycle completion."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Disinfectant level checked/replaced
- Tubing condition (kinked, disconnected, normal)
- Sensor behavior or alarms
- Presence of leaks or spills
- Cycle phase where error occurred
- Final operational status
Final Thought
Chemical dosing errors should always be approached from the simplest external causes first. Most issues are supply or setup related. When those are ruled out, escalate appropriately. Proper troubleshooting protects both patients and equipment while ensuring reliable high-level disinfection.
That is successful troubleshooting.