On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Addresses unresponsive touchscreen or trackball caused by calibration drift, connection issues, environmental interference, or software faults before assuming internal hardware failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Ensure Patient Safety
- Confirm the system is not actively imaging a patient.
- Move any patient to another functional ultrasound system if imaging is urgent.
2. Verify External Connections and Power
- Check that the system is connected to a stable AC outlet.
- Confirm the system is fully powered on and no low-battery warnings exist (for battery backup models).
- Observe indicator lights on the control panel for errors.
3. Inspect Touchscreen and Trackball Hardware
- Clean touchscreen and trackball surfaces with approved cleaning solutions; debris can prevent proper input.
- Check for physical damage or loosened connections at the trackball port or touchscreen connector.
4. Test Input Devices
- Attempt basic menu navigation using touchscreen.
- If touchscreen is unresponsive, try the trackball (and vice versa) to determine if one device functions.
- Swap trackball with a known-good unit if available to rule out device-specific failure.
5. Check System Settings
- Navigate to system calibration settings if possible.
- Run touchscreen or trackball recalibration routines according to on-screen prompts.
- Observe if recalibration improves responsiveness.
6. Restart the System
- Perform a full system shutdown and power cycle.
- Power back on and test touchscreen and trackball again.
- This can clear temporary software lockups affecting input devices.
7. Observe Environmental Factors
- Ensure there is no strong electromagnetic interference (nearby monitors, phones, or heaters).
- Check that the system is not overheating; excessive heat can cause input devices to fail.
If the Problem Persists
All external and software causes have been ruled out.
Label the system Out of Service, remove from clinical use, and send for vendor repair or bench evaluation.
Know when to escalate—avoiding patient risk is critical.
Clinical Use Tip
Never attempt internal disassembly while a patient is attached.
Troubleshoot only when system is idle and patient care is safely transitioned to another device.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Touchscreen and trackball are unresponsive during imaging session."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Touchscreen calibration and trackball inputs failed; power cycle and recalibration did not restore functionality."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"System removed from service, labeled Out of Service, and sent for vendor evaluation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Outlet tested and verified
- Trackball swapped
- Touchscreen cleaned and recalibrated
- Observed behavior during power cycle
- Any unusual sounds, heat, or error messages
- Final device status: Out of Service
Final Thought
Patient safety and logical troubleshooting are paramount. Always rule out simple external and software causes before assuming internal failure. Proper documentation ensures traceability and supports safe, effective escalation.
That is successful troubleshooting.