Puritan Bennett 980 Ventilator

Asset Type

Ventilator

Manufacturer

Puritan Bennett

Model

980

What This Guide Helps With

This guide addresses situations where the Puritan Bennett 980 ventilator reports O₂ sensor errors, low FiO₂ readings, or unstable oxygen delivery.

The focus is on logical, external troubleshooting first—such as oxygen supply, wall source pressure, blenders, filters, and calibration—before assuming internal sensor or board failure.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Ensure Patient Safety First

• If the ventilator is alarming for low FiO₂ and the patient is connected, immediately assess the patient.
• Confirm SpO₂ and clinical stability.
• If oxygen delivery is questionable, transfer the patient to another ventilator or manual resuscitation device with verified O₂ source before continuing troubleshooting.
• Patient safety always comes first.

2. Verify Oxygen Wall Source

• Confirm the oxygen hose is firmly connected to the wall outlet and ventilator inlet.
• Check that the wall outlet is active and labeled correctly.
• Listen for gas flow and confirm normal pipeline pressure (typically ~50 psi in most facilities).
• Swap to a known-good wall outlet if unsure.
• Low or unstable pipeline pressure can cause inaccurate FiO₂ readings or O₂ supply alarms.

3. Inspect the High-Pressure O₂ Hose

• Check for kinks, cracks, or loose fittings.
• Swap the hose with a known-good hose if available.
• Ensure DISS fittings are tight and not cross-threaded.
• A leaking or partially restricted hose can cause fluctuating FiO₂ readings.

4. Confirm Air Supply

• Verify compressed air is connected and at proper pressure.
• Loss of air supply can cause incorrect blending and FiO₂ instability.
• The ventilator blends air and oxygen. If one source is unstable, FiO₂ readings will be unstable.

5. Check for Active O₂ Sensor Calibration Alerts

• Navigate to the ventilator’s sensor or calibration menu.
• Determine whether the error is calibration overdue, sensor drift, or sensor failure.
• If calibration is required, follow on-screen calibration procedure using room air or 100% O₂ as instructed.
• Ensure gas sources are stable during calibration.
• O₂ sensors naturally drift over time and require periodic calibration.

6. Inspect the O₂ Sensor Module

• Confirm the sensor is properly seated and connected.
• Check for moisture contamination or condensation.
• Inspect for physical damage or corrosion at the contacts.
• If the sensor is replaceable, install a known-good O₂ sensor and perform calibration after replacement.
• Do not attempt internal board-level repair.

7. Check for Excessive Moisture in the System

• Inspect water traps and expiratory filters.
• Look for heavy condensation in tubing near the sensor pathway.
• Replace saturated filters if needed.
• Moisture contamination can cause inaccurate O₂ readings.

8. Verify Alarm Behavior

• Document the exact alarm message.
• Determine whether FiO₂ is reading consistently low or fluctuating.
• Compare displayed FiO₂ to analyzer readings (if available).
• Note any unusual noises or gas flow irregularities.
• Using an external oxygen analyzer (if available) can help confirm whether the issue is sensor-related or actual delivery-related.

If the Problem Persists

If oxygen source pressure, hoses, calibration, moisture, and sensor replacement have been ruled out, the issue is likely internal (blender module, internal sensor circuitry, or control board).

• Remove the ventilator from service.
• Label it Out of Service.
• Send for qualified repair or bench evaluation.

Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting. Avoid unnecessary internal disassembly in the clinical environment.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot oxygen delivery issues on an actively ventilated patient unless clinically stable and monitored.

If FiO₂ accuracy is in question, move the patient to another verified ventilator first. Oxygen delivery is life-sustaining—verification is critical.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
“Ventilator alarming ‘O₂ Sensor Error’ with low FiO₂ reading at 40% despite 60% setting.”

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
“Found O₂ pipeline hose leaking at DISS fitting. FiO₂ unstable due to fluctuating oxygen pressure.”

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
“Replaced high-pressure O₂ hose, verified 50 psi pipeline pressure, recalibrated O₂ sensor. FiO₂ stabilized and passed operational check.”

“Replaced O₂ sensor, completed successful calibration, verified FiO₂ with external analyzer. Unit returned to service.”

Helpful Details to Include

• Wall outlet tested
• Pipeline pressure verified
• O₂ hose swapped
• Air source verified
• Sensor recalibrated
• Sensor replaced (if applicable)
• Moisture inspected
• External analyzer comparison performed
• Final operational check completed
• Final device status (Returned to Service or Sent to Repair)

Final Thought

Oxygen delivery problems must always be approached methodically. Start with gas supply and simple connections before assuming internal failure. Protect the patient first, verify performance second, and escalate appropriately when external causes are ruled out. Clear documentation protects both patients and the department.

That is successful troubleshooting.