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Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Addressing a Replace Filter alert caused by an expired HEPA filter interval or a filter counter not reset after replacement.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety First
If the WarmTouch WT 6000 is currently supporting a patient, do not begin maintenance or remove the filter enclosure during use.
Coordinate with clinical staff to transfer warming to a known-working device when clinically appropriate before taking the unit out of service for filter replacement.
Expected outcome: The patient is safely supported before Clinical Engineering performs filter maintenance.
Why it matters: The unit must not be operated with the filter enclosure removed, and patient warming should not be interrupted without a safe alternative.
2. Confirm the Reported Alert
With the unit available for evaluation, plug it into a suitable grounded outlet and press the On/Standby key.
Confirm whether the Replace Filter screen appears at power-on. On this model, the alert appears at startup when either the filter operating-hours counter or calendar-days counter has expired. The HEPA filter replacement interval is 2,000 operating hours or 365 days, whichever comes first.
Expected outcome: The alert is confirmed as a scheduled filter-maintenance condition rather than an unrelated warming system failure.
If the alert does not reappear: Review the reported history, document that the issue could not be duplicated, inspect filter status through the device menu while in Ready mode, and continue evaluation as appropriate.
3. Inspect for Additional Safety Concerns
Before treating the issue as routine filter maintenance, inspect the warming unit for:
- Damaged power cord or plug.
- Damaged enclosure, hose, or mounting hardware.
- Missing or damaged labels.
- Evidence of liquid entry.
- Unusual odor, heat, noise, airflow restriction, or another alarm condition.
Expected outcome: No additional safety concern is identified beyond the filter replacement alert.
If damage, burning odor, abnormal heat, airflow failure, or another alarm is present: Stop troubleshooting, remove the unit from service, and send it for bench evaluation or repair.
4. Review Filter Status Information
Place the unit in Ready mode. From the Main screen, access the menu and view the Filter Information screen to confirm the remaining filter days and operating hours.
The Filter Information screen is accessible in Ready mode and shows the days and operating hours remaining before filter replacement is required.
Expected outcome: The filter status indicates an expired interval or confirms that the alert is associated with the filter counter.
If the filter was recently replaced but the counters remain expired: Proceed to verify that replacement documentation exists and that the filter counter reset was completed by qualified personnel.
5. Verify Whether the HEPA Filter Has Actually Been Replaced
Check the asset history, PM record, service label, or prior work order to determine whether the HEPA filter has already been replaced.
Do not clear the Replace Filter alert solely to remove the message if there is no confirmation that a new filter was installed.
Expected outcome: Clinical Engineering confirms whether the unit requires a new HEPA filter or only a documented post-replacement counter reset.
If no filter replacement is documented: Replace the HEPA filter before resetting the counter.
6. Replace the HEPA Filter When Due
Remove the unit from clinical use and disconnect the power cord from AC power before performing filter replacement.
Using the correct WarmTouch HEPA filter replacement kit, access the external filter enclosure, remove the expired filter, inspect the enclosure gasket for damage, install the new filter, and securely reinstall the filter enclosure and power connection according to approved service practice.
Expected outcome: A new HEPA filter is installed and the filter enclosure is fully secured before power is reapplied.
Why it matters: The manufacturer indicates that failure to replace the filter as recommended can adversely affect device performance, and the unit must not be operated with the filter enclosure removed.
7. Reset the Filter Counters Only After Filter Replacement
After the new filter is installed and the enclosure is secure, power on the unit and follow the qualified-service filter reset process from the Replace Filter / Filter Information screens.
The service procedure resets the counters to 365 days and 2,000 operating hours after filter replacement.
Expected outcome: The counters reflect a newly installed filter.
If the counters cannot be reset, immediately revert to expired values, or the alert cannot be cleared after confirmed filter replacement: Remove the unit from service and send it for bench evaluation.
8. Verify Alert Clearance and Basic Operation
Return the unit to Standby, then power it back into Ready mode.
Confirm that:
- The Main screen appears instead of the Replace Filter screen.
- No new alarm or fault appears.
- The unit passes its startup check.
- The filter enclosure is seated properly.
- The power cord and exterior remain undamaged.
The service documentation instructs verifying that the Main screen appears at power-on after resetting the filter counters.
Expected outcome: The Replace Filter alert is cleared and the unit is ready for applicable post-maintenance verification.
If the alert clears and the device meets required inspection/testing criteria: Document the completed maintenance and return the device to service.
9. Complete Required Post-Maintenance Checks
Perform the inspection and any verification required by facility procedure before returning the warmer to clinical use.
At minimum, verify physical condition, secure filter enclosure installation, filter status, normal startup behavior, and final device status. Follow applicable requirements for electrical safety or operational testing when required by the maintenance activity or local policy.
Expected outcome: The unit is documented as safe and ready for clinical use following filter replacement and counter reset.
If the Problem Persists
If a confirmed new HEPA filter has been installed and the Replace Filter alert remains, the filter counter will not reset, or the device displays additional abnormal behavior, common maintenance causes have been ruled out and the problem may involve the control interface, stored filter-status information, or another internal condition.
The device should be:
- Removed from service.
- Labeled Out of Service.
- Sent for repair or qualified bench evaluation.
Knowing when routine maintenance has become an unresolved device fault is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A Replace Filter alert is a maintenance condition, but Clinical Engineering should not open the filter enclosure or perform filter replacement while the device is supporting an active patient. Arrange alternate warming support first, then perform maintenance in a controlled setting.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported that the Medtronic WarmTouch WT 6000 displays a Replace Filter message each time the unit is powered on."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"HEPA filter interval was expired at the filter status screen, indicating the filter reached its required replacement limit of 365 days or 2,000 operating hours."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed unit from service, replaced the HEPA filter, reset the filter counters, verified the Replace Filter alert cleared at startup, and returned the warmer to service after inspection."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Replace Filter message confirmed at startup.
- Filter days remaining before replacement.
- Filter operating hours remaining before replacement.
- HEPA filter replaced and replacement date.
- Filter enclosure gasket condition.
- Filter enclosure secured after service.
- Counter reset confirmed.
- Main screen displayed at power-on after reset.
- Power cord and housing inspection findings.
- Any additional alarms, unusual odor, heat, or airflow concerns.
- Final device status: returned to service or removed from service.
Final Thought
This issue is best handled as controlled preventive maintenance unless abnormal operation is also present. Protect the patient first, verify the filter status, replace the HEPA filter before resetting its counters, and document the outcome clearly. Escalating a persistent alert after proper filter replacement prevents an unresolved maintenance issue from becoming a clinical reliability concern.
That is successful troubleshooting.