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What This Guide Helps With
Cycle fails to start or stops mid-process due to door, setup, water, chemical, or connection issues.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety
Do not attempt to troubleshoot while a scope is needed for patient care. Remove the AER from use if a cycle cannot complete.
Expected: No impact to patient care; alternate reprocessing method in use
Why it matters: Incomplete disinfection presents infection risk
2. Verify the Reported Behavior
Confirm if the cycle will not start at all or starts and aborts mid-cycle.
Action:
- Attempt to start a cycle
- Note any error messages or alarms
- Identify when the failure occurs (start vs during wash/disinfect/dry phase)
Expected: Behavior is repeatable or clearly observed
Why it matters: Helps narrow the failure stage and likely cause
3. Check Door Closure and Seal (Most Common Cause)
AER will not run if the door is not fully sealed.
Action:
- Open and firmly re-close the door
- Inspect gasket for debris, damage, or misalignment
- Ensure latch fully engages
Expected: Door locks securely and unit allows cycle start
Why it matters: Safety interlock prevents operation if chamber is not sealed
4. Verify Scope Connections and Channel Hookups
Improper or incomplete connections can prevent cycle initiation or cause aborts.
Action:
- Confirm all scope channels are connected correctly
- Ensure connectors are seated and not loose
- Check for kinked or disconnected tubing
Expected: All connections are secure and recognized
Why it matters: Flow or leak detection failures will stop the cycle
5. Check Water Supply and Pressure
Insufficient or interrupted water supply can stop the cycle.
Action:
- Verify facility water supply valves are open
- Check for adequate pressure and flow
- Inspect inlet hoses for kinks or restrictions
Expected: Stable water supply with no alarms
Why it matters: AER cycles rely on consistent water flow for all phases
6. Verify Chemical Levels and Containers
Low or improperly seated chemical containers can prevent or abort cycles.
Action:
- Check disinfectant and detergent levels
- Ensure containers are properly installed
- Inspect pickup tubes for proper placement
Expected: Adequate chemical levels and proper detection
Why it matters: System will not proceed without confirmed chemical availability
7. Inspect Filters and Drain Path
Blocked filters or drains can cause flow errors and abort cycles.
Action:
- Check and clean inlet filters if accessible
- Inspect chamber drain for blockage
- Ensure no standing water remains after previous cycle
Expected: Free-flowing drainage and no obstructions
Why it matters: Flow restrictions trigger safety shutdowns
8. Perform a Power Cycle (Reset Attempt)
Clears temporary faults or control glitches.
Action:
- Turn unit OFF
- Wait 30–60 seconds
- Power back ON and attempt cycle again
Expected: Cycle starts normally if issue was transient
Why it matters: Resets system control logic
9. Observe for Specific Error Codes or Patterns
If the issue persists, note any consistent alarms or failure points.
Action:
- Record exact error messages
- Identify phase where abort occurs
Expected: Consistent error behavior identified
Why it matters: Provides direction for further diagnosis or service
If the Problem Persists
If all external causes (door, connections, water, chemicals, filters, power) have been ruled out, the issue is likely internal (pump failure, sensors, control board, or valves).
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 ensures proper escalation.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot or attempt to restart a failed cycle for a scope intended for immediate patient use. Use a properly reprocessed scope or alternate AER.
Do not troubleshoot on an active patient. Move patient care to a backup device or properly reprocessed scope first to maintain therapy continuity and patient safety.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"AER cycle not starting and intermittently aborting during disinfection phase."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Door not fully sealing due to debris on gasket causing interlock failure."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Cleaned gasket, verified proper door seal, and confirmed successful cycle completion."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Outlet tested and unit powered normally
- Door latch and seal condition verified
- Scope connections checked and reseated
- Chemical levels confirmed adequate
- Water supply verified
- Any displayed error codes recorded
- Alarm behavior and when the abort occurs
- Accessories swapped or connection tubing replaced
- Environmental factors such as water pressure, drain backup, or chemical storage issue
- Indicator lights or display behavior
- Final device status (operational or removed from service)
Final Thought
Cycle failures are often caused by simple external issues like door sealing, connections, or supply problems. A structured, step-by-step approach ensures patient safety and avoids unnecessary repairs. Recognizing when the issue is internal and escalating appropriately is a key part of effective Clinical Engineering troubleshooting.
That is successful troubleshooting.