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What This Guide Helps With
This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting situations where the Avalon FM20 fetal monitor reports fetal heart rate (FHR) signal loss or produces poor-quality tracings. These issues can prevent reliable monitoring of fetal well-being. Most causes are external or setup-related, such as transducer positioning, cable issues, or interference.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Verify Power and System Status
- Confirm the monitor is powered on and the battery is charged or plugged into AC.
- Check that all system self-tests complete successfully.
- Why: Power instability or incomplete system startup can cause signal dropouts.
Inspect Transducer Connections
- Ensure all transducer cables are firmly connected and not damaged.
- Swap the transducer cable with a known good one if available.
- Why: Loose or damaged cables are a common cause of poor tracing.
Check Transducer Placement
- Confirm the FHR transducer is correctly positioned on the maternal abdomen.
- Reposition and secure using proper gel and belt tension.
- Why: Misplacement reduces signal quality and may mimic signal loss.
Verify Maternal Factors and Environment
- Check for excessive maternal movement or interference from other electronic devices.
- Minimize patient motion if possible and move away from sources of electrical noise.
- Why: Motion and interference can distort or interrupt the fetal signal.
Test with Alternate Transducer
- Use a spare, compatible FHR transducer to determine if the original transducer is faulty.
- Why: Helps isolate the issue to a single transducer versus system error.
Check Monitor Settings
- Verify the sensitivity, alarm limits, and channel selection.
- Ensure the correct patient configuration is selected (singleton vs. multiple gestation).
- Why: Incorrect settings can reduce signal detection or create false alarms.
If the Problem Persists
External checks and patient-related factors have been ruled out.
The monitor should be removed from service, labeled Out of Service, and sent for repair or bench evaluation.
Knowing when to escalate prevents unnecessary risk to patients and ensures proper resolution.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not troubleshoot on an active patient if the tracing is unreliable.
Move the patient to another monitor if available to maintain continuous fetal monitoring.
Always prioritize patient safety while performing troubleshooting.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
Nursing reported intermittent FHR signal loss and poor-quality tracings on Avalon FM20 monitor.
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
Observed loose transducer connection and poor abdominal placement. Swapped cable and repositioned transducer; patient movement may also contribute.
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
Reconnected transducer and repositioned properly. Swapped cable to confirm integrity. Monitor functioning correctly. If issue persists, monitor will be sent for repair.
Helpful Details to Include
- Outlet tested
- Transducer cables checked/swapped
- Alarm behavior: Intermittent signal loss
- Indicator lights: Normal system status
- Unusual sounds/smells: None
- Final device status: Monitoring resumed after repositioning
Final Thought
Reliable fetal monitoring requires systematic troubleshooting starting from external connections and patient setup. Always document actions clearly and escalate appropriately to maintain patient safety and device integrity.
That is successful troubleshooting.