Philips EPIQ Series

Asset Type

Ultrasound System

Manufacturer

Philips

Model

EPIQ Series

What This Guide Helps With

This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting situations where the Philips EPIQ Series ultrasound system touchscreen or trackball becomes unresponsive, erratic, or intermittently fails. Common presentations include:

• Touchscreen does not respond to finger input.
• Trackball cursor does not move or jumps unexpectedly.
• Inputs are delayed or inconsistent.
• Certain buttons on the touchscreen are unresponsive while others work.

This guide focuses on external checks and simple troubleshooting steps before considering internal repair.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Check System Power

• Confirm the system is fully powered on and the battery is charged if applicable.
• Why: Low voltage or unstable power can cause unresponsive input devices.

Inspect Cables and Connections

• Ensure the touchscreen and trackball cables (if removable) are firmly connected.
• Look for loose, bent, or damaged connectors.
• Why: Poor connection can prevent proper communication with the system’s CPU.

Clean the Touchscreen and Trackball

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with approved cleaner.
• Remove any debris, moisture, or residue that may interfere with touch sensitivity or trackball movement.
• Why: Dirt, oils, or moisture can reduce responsiveness.

Restart the System

• Perform a controlled shutdown and restart.
• Observe if the touchscreen and trackball function after reboot.
• Why: Software glitches or temporary system hangs can affect input devices.

Check User Settings

• Verify touchscreen calibration (if available in system menus).
• Ensure no settings have inadvertently disabled touch or altered trackball behavior.
• Why: Incorrect calibration or system settings can mimic hardware failure.

Test External Input Devices (Optional)

• If available, connect an external USB mouse or touchscreen overlay.
• Confirm if system responds to alternative input.
• Why: Differentiates between touchscreen/trackball hardware failure and internal system issues.

Observe System Behavior

• Check for error messages, flickering, or other anomalies.
• Note any correlation with specific probes, applications, or modes.

If the Problem Persists

If the above steps do not resolve the issue:

• External causes have been ruled out.
• The touchscreen or trackball may require internal service or replacement.
• Action:
  • Remove the system from clinical use.
  • Label as “Out of Service.”
  • Send to Philips-authorized service or qualified biomedical bench evaluation.

Knowing when to escalate is part of proper troubleshooting.

Clinical Use Tip

• Do not attempt patient exams with an unresponsive touchscreen or trackball.
• Move the patient to an alternate ultrasound system if imaging is required.
• Only troubleshoot in a safe, controlled environment away from active patient care.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
“The touchscreen and trackball are unresponsive during imaging.”

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
“After inspection, cables and connections were intact; screen and trackball were clean; system rebooted with no change in responsiveness.”

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
“System removed from service, labeled Out of Service, and sent for vendor repair.”

Helpful Details to Include

• Outlet tested and stable voltage confirmed
• Trackball and touchscreen physically inspected
• No unusual sounds or heat from the system
• System logs checked for input device errors

Final Thought

Clinical troubleshooting relies on logic, observation, and safety. Ensuring patient safety, systematically ruling out external factors, and documenting all steps are critical. Escalation to vendor repair should be done promptly to avoid compromised imaging or delays in patient care.

That is successful troubleshooting.