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What This Guide Helps With
Use this guide when the blood pump will not start, stops unexpectedly, or runs inconsistently because of setup, tubing, controls, or external conditions.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient
Do not troubleshoot an unreliable blood pump while a patient depends on it.
If the pump stops or becomes unstable during treatment, follow the facility's dialysis procedures for maintaining extracorporeal circuit and patient safety and move to another verified machine when necessary.
Expected outcome: The patient is protected before technical troubleshooting begins.
2. Confirm the Exact Pump Symptom
Determine whether the blood pump:
- Does not start
- Starts and immediately stops
- Runs intermittently
- Appears mechanically irregular
- Shows an unstable displayed speed
- Stops only when another alarm occurs
Record the exact associated alarm or message.
Expected outcome: The failure pattern and whether the pump is the primary problem are established.
3. Check for Active Alarms or Safety Interlocks
Review the machine for other active conditions that may intentionally inhibit blood-pump operation.
Examples include improperly loaded tubing, open doors or covers, detector alarms, pressure alarms, or other setup conditions.
Do not bypass interlocks to test the pump.
Expected outcome: No unresolved safety condition is intentionally preventing pump operation.
4. Inspect Blood Tubing Installation
Inspect the pump tubing segment and verify that it is:
- The approved type
- Correctly routed
- Fully seated
- Not twisted
- Not flattened
- Not stretched improperly
- Free of visible damage
Have clinical personnel correct the disposable setup when required.
Expected outcome: The pump segment is correctly loaded and mechanically suitable for operation.
5. Inspect the Pump Area
With the unit stopped and safe, visually inspect accessible pump components for:
- Foreign material
- Fluid contamination
- Obstruction
- Damaged accessible surfaces
- Improperly closed pump cover or mechanism
Do not remove guards or disassemble the drive system.
Expected outcome: No external obstruction or contamination prevents normal pump movement.
6. Verify Programmed Pump Operation
Confirm the requested pump operation and speed were entered correctly for the intended setup.
Do not change a clinical prescription merely to compensate for unstable machine behavior.
Expected outcome: Pump settings are appropriate and the problem is not caused by an incorrect control setting.
7. Test With an Approved Known-Good Disposable Setup
During nonpatient testing, substitute an approved known-good blood tubing set if the installed tubing is questionable.
Observe whether pump operation becomes stable.
Expected outcome: The pump operates normally with a known-good disposable if the original tubing caused the problem. If so, complete final verification and stop troubleshooting.
8. Observe Pump Operation Without a Patient
Run the appropriate approved setup or test process and observe the blood pump through its normal operating range required for verification.
Look for repeated stopping, unusual noise, visible irregular motion, or discrepancy between commanded and observed operation.
Expected outcome: Pump operation is smooth and stable without unexplained stopping.
9. Perform Final Functional Verification
Complete manufacturer-approved blood-pump and alarm checks as applicable.
Confirm:
- Stable operation
- Proper response to controls
- No recurring alarm
- No abnormal sound
- Required protective functions remain active
Expected outcome: Blood-pump operation passes required verification. Troubleshooting can stop and the machine may be returned to service.
If the Problem Persists
If alarms, tubing installation, disposable condition, pump-area obstruction, and external configuration have been ruled out and the pump remains unreliable, common external causes have been eliminated.
Possible remaining categories include pump drive, speed sensing, motor control, mechanical wear, or internal control faults. Do not perform internal motor or drive repair without approved service documentation and training.
The device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
- Evaluated using appropriate Nipro documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel
Complete required pump performance and safety testing before return to service. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A blood pump that intermittently stops or changes speed should not be considered safe merely because it operates normally during one brief retest.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Dialysis staff reported the SURDIAL X blood pump would start but stop intermittently during setup."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the pump tubing segment twisted and not fully seated in the pump track."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering installed the tubing correctly, repeated the approved setup checks, verified stable pump operation, and returned the machine to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Pump would not start or was unstable
- Exact alarm or message
- Blood tubing type and condition
- Pump segment routing
- Active interlocks or other alarms
- Accessible pump-area contamination
- Known-good disposable test
- Unusual sound or motion
- Final operational test result
- Final machine status
Final Thought
Blood-pump reliability directly affects safe extracorporeal circulation. Verify alarms, tubing installation, and external mechanical conditions first, then escalate if stable operation cannot be demonstrated and clearly document the final verification.
That is successful troubleshooting.