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Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshooting absent printing, blank output, paper feed failure, jams, or intermittent printer operation caused by paper loading, consumables, obstruction, or printer faults.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety First
Do not troubleshoot an unresolved printer problem while the scanner is actively being used for patient assessment.
Complete or repeat any clinically necessary bladder measurement using a verified device, then move the affected scanner to a controlled Clinical Engineering area.
Expected: Patient assessment is not delayed by printer troubleshooting.
Why it matters: The printer supports documentation, while the BioCon device itself is used for noninvasive bladder-volume assessment. Clinical needs should be addressed before extended equipment evaluation.
If removing the device from use resolves the immediate clinical concern, continue troubleshooting off patient.
2. Verify the Exact Failure
Power on the scanner and reproduce the complaint using a controlled test.
Determine whether the printer:
- Produces no response
- Makes operating noise but does not feed paper
- Feeds paper but prints blank
- Feeds intermittently
- Skews or bunches the paper
- Jams during output
- Prints faintly or incompletely
- Fails only after a specific scan or print command
Observe any displayed message, unusual sound, or abnormal printer behavior.
Expected: The failure is narrowed to command, feed, paper-path, or print-quality behavior.
If printing operates normally and repeatedly during testing, document the unable-to-duplicate condition and inspect consumable loading before return to service.
3. Verify Scanner Power and General Operation
Confirm the BioCon scanner:
- Powers on normally
- Completes startup without an unresolved fault
- Maintains stable power
- Responds normally to controls
- Can perform the basic non-patient workflow needed to generate printable information
For intermittent complaints, test with a known-good power source or adequately charged battery as appropriate.
Expected: The scanner remains stable during the print attempt.
If the entire device resets, freezes, or loses power during printing, stop treating the problem as a simple paper-feed complaint and evaluate the broader power or system fault separately.
4. Inspect the Paper Supply
Open the printer access area and inspect the installed roll without disassembling the printer mechanism.
Check for:
- Empty roll
- Nearly depleted roll
- Crushed or deformed roll
- Damp paper
- Contaminated paper
- Torn paper edge
- Paper installed off-center
- Roll binding against the compartment
- Incorrect paper dimensions
Use compatible thermal paper intended for the BioCon scanner configuration. Compatible thermal paper is specifically marketed for the BioCon 700 and 750 families.
Expected: Paper is clean, correctly sized, free-moving, and properly seated.
If replacing a damaged or incorrect roll restores consistent printing, the issue is resolved. Stop.
5. Verify Thermal Paper Orientation
If paper advances but the output is blank, verify that the thermal-sensitive side is oriented correctly for the printer.
A practical controlled check is to lightly mark both sides of a removed paper sample with a fingernail or another non-damaging blunt edge. Thermal coating typically darkens from friction on the active side.
Reload the roll so the printable surface faces the thermal print mechanism.
Expected: Printed content becomes visible.
If correcting paper orientation restores normal output, the issue is resolved. Stop.
6. Reload the Paper From Scratch
Remove the roll and reload it carefully.
Confirm:
- Roll sits squarely
- Paper unwinds without binding
- Leading edge is straight rather than torn diagonally
- Paper follows the intended exit path
- Cover closes fully without pinching the paper
- Adequate paper extends through the exit before testing
Do not force the cover closed against a misaligned roll.
Expected: Paper advances straight through the exit path.
If proper reloading restores normal operation, the issue is resolved. Stop.
7. Inspect the External Paper Path for Obstruction
With the device removed from patient use and powered down as appropriate, inspect only readily accessible areas of the paper path.
Look for:
- Torn paper fragments
- Folded paper
- Adhesive residue
- Dirt or debris
- Foreign material
- Paper wrapped around an accessible roller
- A damaged or obstructed exit slot
Use only safe external cleaning methods consistent with facility and manufacturer requirements.
Do not probe deeply into the mechanism or force printer components.
Expected: The accessible paper path is clear.
If removal of an obvious accessible obstruction restores reliable feed, repeat several print tests. If successful, stop.
8. Inspect the Printer Cover and Latching
Check whether the printer door or cover:
- Closes completely
- Sits flush
- Remains latched
- Shows cracks or distortion
- Allows the roll to remain properly positioned
A cover that does not seat correctly may prevent proper paper pressure or alignment.
Expected: The printer compartment closes securely without excessive force.
If reseating the cover restores reliable feed and printing, the issue is resolved. Stop.
9. Test With a Known-Good Compatible Paper Roll
Install a fresh, known-good compatible thermal paper roll.
This helps separate:
- Paper-related failure
- Incorrect consumable
- Deformed roll
- Moisture damage
- Coating/orientation problem
- Actual printer mechanism fault
Medline-compatible paper products are listed for BioCon scanner families, including the 700 and 750.
Expected: The printer feeds and produces readable output.
If a known-good roll resolves the issue, replace the defective consumable and stop.
10. Compare Feed Behavior With Print Behavior
Run repeated controlled print attempts and observe the mechanism.
No motor or feed response
Possible causes include:
- Print command not reaching the printer
- Printer not being activated by the system
- Electrical printer fault
- Internal connection fault
- Printer assembly failure
Motor sound but no paper movement
Possible causes include:
- Paper binding
- Feed roller problem
- Mechanical obstruction
- Loss of roller engagement
Paper moves but output is blank
Possible causes include:
- Reversed thermal paper
- Incorrect paper
- Thermal printhead issue
- Printer drive/electrical fault
Paper skews or jams repeatedly
Possible causes include:
- Incorrect loading
- Damaged roll
- Debris
- Feed alignment problem
- Worn mechanism
Expected: The observed behavior points to either an external correctable cause or a persistent printer fault.
Do not assume internal failure until consumable, loading, and accessible paper-path causes have been ruled out.
11. Reproduce the Failure Multiple Times
After correcting any external issue, perform several consecutive print tests.
Verify:
- Print command is accepted
- Paper advances each time
- Output is readable
- Paper remains centered
- No abnormal grinding or clicking occurs
- No jam recurs
- Device remains stable
Expected: Printing is repeatable, not merely successful once.
If repeated tests pass, document the corrective action and final functional status. Stop.
12. Stop Before Internal Printer Repair
If the printer still:
- Does not respond
- Repeatedly jams with correctly loaded known-good paper
- Produces blank output with verified paper orientation
- Makes abnormal mechanical noise
- Fails intermittently after external causes are eliminated
- Shows visible printer mechanism damage
do not proceed into unsupported printer disassembly or internal board-level troubleshooting.
Expected: The device is escalated appropriately rather than subjected to unnecessary invasive repair.
If the Problem Persists
If compatible paper, paper orientation, roll loading, accessible paper path, cover seating, stable device operation, and reproducibility have been checked, common external causes have been ruled out.
The remaining problem is more likely associated with the printer mechanism, feed system, thermal printhead, internal connection, printer electronics, or related internal control path.
The device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
Follow approved manufacturer service information, organizational policy, and post-repair performance verification requirements.
Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting. Repeatedly forcing paper through a malfunctioning mechanism can worsen damage and does not establish reliable operation.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not troubleshoot printer jams or intermittent printer behavior during active patient assessment. Complete necessary bladder-volume evaluation first, then evaluate the scanner in a controlled setting.
A printer failure may be a documentation problem rather than a measurement failure, but Clinical Engineering should verify the device’s overall functional condition before return to service.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported the BioCon 750 printer would not feed paper after a bladder scan."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Found the thermal paper roll misaligned in the printer compartment, causing the leading edge to bind at the exit path."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed and correctly reloaded the compatible thermal paper, cleared the accessible paper path, and verified five consecutive print cycles with normal feed and readable output."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact model: BioCon 700 or BioCon 750
- Scanner powered on normally
- Battery and/or external power behavior checked
- Compatible thermal paper verified
- Paper roll replaced
- Paper orientation checked
- Paper loading checked
- Printer cover/latch inspected
- Accessible paper path inspected
- Jam location documented
- Blank versus faint output documented
- Motor or feed noise observed
- Unusual grinding or clicking documented
- Indicator or on-screen messages recorded
- Multiple print cycles tested
- Final device status documented
Final Thought
Printer troubleshooting should remain patient-safe and logic-based: verify the complaint, rule out power and consumable problems, inspect loading and accessible feed paths, test reproducibility, and escalate persistent internal faults. Clear CCR documentation preserves what was reported, what was found, and why the device was returned to service or removed for repair.
That is successful troubleshooting.