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What This Guide Helps With
Cycle will not initiate or stops mid-process due to door, water, chemical, or connection issues affecting proper reprocessing.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Do not rely on a failed or incomplete reprocessing cycle for patient use
- Remove any scopes involved from service until properly reprocessed
Expected: No potentially contaminated scope is used
Why it matters: Incomplete disinfection creates infection risk
Verify the Reported Issue
- Attempt to start a cycle and observe exactly what occurs
- Note if cycle fails immediately or mid-process
- Check for displayed error messages or alarms
- Identify the step where the cycle stops (fill, leak test, dosing, rinse, etc.)
Expected: Clear identification of failure point
Why it matters: Narrows troubleshooting to a specific system function
Check Door Closure and Latch Status (Most Common Cause)
- Open and firmly close the door
- Inspect door gasket for debris or damage
- Ensure latch engages fully
- Check for “door open” or similar alarms
Expected: Door fully seals and is recognized by system
Why it matters: Safety interlocks prevent operation if sealing is compromised
Verify Water Supply and Pressure
- Confirm facility water supply is on
- Check inlet hoses for kinks or disconnection
- Verify filters are not clogged
- Observe for fill errors or delays
Expected: Unit fills properly without delay or alarm
Why it matters: Water flow is required for all cleaning and rinsing stages
Check Chemical Levels and Connections
- Verify disinfectant and detergent containers are not empty
- Ensure pickup tubes are fully inserted
- Check for air in lines or loose connections
- Confirm no chemical dosing alarms are present
Expected: Proper chemical detection and dosing
Why it matters: AER will abort if required chemicals are unavailable
Inspect Scope Connections and Channel Hookups
- Verify all channel connectors are properly attached
- Confirm correct hookup configuration for the scope type
- Inspect for loose or disconnected tubing
Expected: Secure and correct scope connection
Why it matters: Leak test or flow failure will prevent or stop the cycle
Check for Leak Test Failures
- Observe if abort occurs during leak test phase
- Inspect scope and connections for leaks
- Swap with a known good test scope if needed
Expected: Leak test passes successfully
Why it matters: System will not proceed if scope integrity is compromised
Inspect Drain and Waste Line
- Check drain hose for kinks or blockage
- Ensure facility drain is not backed up
- Observe for slow or incomplete draining
Expected: Waste drains freely without alarm
Why it matters: Inability to drain interrupts cycle progression
Power Cycle the Unit
- Turn unit off
- Wait 30–60 seconds
- Restart and attempt cycle again
Expected: System resets and cycle starts normally
Why it matters: Clears minor software or sensor faults
If the Problem Persists
If all external causes have been ruled out, the issue is likely internal (sensors, valves, pumps, or control system faults).
Remove the unit from service, label it Out of Service, and send for repair or further bench evaluation.
Knowing when to stop prevents unnecessary risk and avoids extended downtime from improper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Never attempt to troubleshoot or restart a failed cycle for a scope intended for immediate patient use.
Always move the case to another properly functioning AER and ensure proper reprocessing.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"AER cycle would not start and intermittently aborted during operation."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Door latch not fully engaging, preventing system from recognizing sealed condition."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Adjusted door closure and verified proper latch engagement; unit tested and passed full cycle."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Door status indicators or alarms
- Chemical levels verified
- Water supply confirmed
- Leak test behavior
- Drain performance
- Any error codes displayed
- Cycle stage where failure occurred
- Final operational status
Final Thought
Effective AER troubleshooting focuses on external systems first—door sealing, water, chemicals, and connections. These account for most failures. When those are ruled out, escalation is the correct and safe decision. Always prioritize infection control and document findings clearly to support compliance and patient safety.
That is successful troubleshooting.