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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots sample-presentation failures involving the FLEXQ sampler, sample position, inlet path, mixer operation, accessories, or analyzer readiness.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect Patient Testing and Confirm an Alternate Testing Path
Do not delay patient-care decisions while troubleshooting the analyzer. If blood-gas testing is clinically required, move testing to another verified analyzer or approved backup method before continuing.
Confirm that no patient sample remains trapped, improperly positioned, or at risk of being lost during troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: Patient testing continues through an alternate verified method and the affected analyzer can be evaluated safely. If continuity of testing is restored and the reported issue was workflow-related rather than equipment-related, troubleshooting can stop.
2. Confirm the Exact Sample-Presentation Failure
Ask staff what occurred when the sample was placed in the FLEXQ sampler. Determine whether the sample was not detected, was detected but not advanced, stopped before reaching the inlet, failed during mixing, or was rejected before aspiration.
Observe one controlled attempt using an appropriate test sample or approved nonpatient evaluation material when permitted by facility procedure.
Do not repeatedly cycle patient samples through a mechanism that is behaving unpredictably.
Expected outcome: The failure point is clearly identified as detection, positioning, mixing, transport, or inlet presentation. If the device operates normally during the controlled test and the original condition cannot be reproduced, document the result and troubleshooting can stop after final verification.
3. Verify Analyzer Readiness and Basic Operating State
Confirm the analyzer is powered normally and has completed its normal startup process. Check the displayed status for conditions preventing sample analysis, such as warm-up, unavailable consumables, required maintenance, or another active condition.
Avoid entering restricted service menus or changing configuration values simply to clear the symptom.
Expected outcome: The analyzer is in a normal ready state with no displayed condition intentionally preventing sample processing. If clearing an external readiness condition restores FLEXQ operation, troubleshooting can stop after successful testing.
4. Inspect the FLEXQ Sample Area
Visually inspect the automatic sampler area for:
- Mispositioned sample containers
- Caps, adapters, or sample hardware installed incorrectly
- Residual material or contamination
- Foreign objects
- Bent, cracked, loose, or damaged external components
- Obstructions preventing normal movement
Do not force any sampler mechanism through resistance.
Expected outcome: The sample area is unobstructed and all accessible components are correctly positioned and undamaged. If removing an obstruction or correcting sample placement restores normal operation, troubleshooting can stop after repeat verification.
5. Verify Sample Container and Accessory Compatibility
Confirm that the sample container, cap, adapter, or other sampling accessory being used is appropriate for the analyzer and the FLEXQ workflow.
Compare the failing setup with a known-good setup routinely used on the same analyzer. Look for dimensional differences, damaged caps, improperly seated adapters, or unusual resistance.
Expected outcome: The sample and associated hardware are appropriate and physically compatible with the sampler. If replacing a damaged or incorrect accessory restores normal presentation, troubleshooting can stop.
6. Check Sample Positioning and Loading Technique
Verify that the sample is fully and correctly seated in the FLEXQ position without being tilted, partially inserted, or prevented from reaching its normal resting position.
Inspect any accessible guides or locating surfaces for contamination or damage that could prevent repeatable positioning.
Expected outcome: The sample consistently sits in the intended position and the analyzer responds appropriately to its presence. If correcting positioning resolves the issue, troubleshooting can stop.
7. Inspect the Inlet and Accessible Sample Path
Inspect the analyzer inlet and other externally accessible sample-path areas for dried material, residue, obstruction, or obvious physical damage.
Perform only the routine cleaning or replacement actions authorized for Clinical Engineering personnel and supported by approved manufacturer documentation.
Do not probe deeply into the inlet or disassemble internal fluidic components.
Expected outcome: The accessible inlet area is clean, unobstructed, and undamaged. If routine cleaning restores normal sample presentation and aspiration, troubleshooting can stop after verification.
8. Observe FLEXQ Mixer and Transport Behavior
With no patient depending on the analyzer, observe a controlled sample-loading cycle. Note whether the FLEXQ assembly begins its expected movement, whether mixing occurs, and whether the sample advances toward the inlet.
Listen for abnormal clicking, repeated cycling, binding, or stalled movement.
Do not restrain, assist, or manually push a powered mechanism.
Expected outcome: The sampler moves smoothly through its normal externally observable sequence. If abnormal movement persists despite correct loading and no obstruction, proceed to escalation rather than forcing the mechanism.
9. Compare FLEXQ Operation With Direct or Alternate Sample Introduction, If Supported
If the analyzer provides an approved alternate sample-introduction method and facility procedure permits its use, determine whether analysis succeeds through that method.
This comparison can help distinguish a FLEXQ-specific presentation problem from a broader inlet or analyzer problem.
Expected outcome: Alternate sample introduction functions normally, indicating the analyzer can otherwise accept and process samples. If FLEXQ alone continues to fail, remove the FLEXQ-dependent workflow from use and escalate for service.
10. Perform Final Functional Verification
After correcting any external cause, perform multiple controlled sample-presentation attempts using appropriate test material. Confirm consistent detection, mixing, presentation to the inlet, aspiration, and completion of analysis without abnormal behavior.
Confirm the analyzer returns to its normal ready state afterward.
Expected outcome: FLEXQ sample presentation operates consistently and the analyzer completes testing normally. When this result is achieved, troubleshooting can stop and the device may be returned to service according to facility policy.
If the Problem Persists
If the FLEXQ sampler still fails after sample compatibility, positioning, accessible contamination, inlet condition, analyzer readiness, and external obstructions have been ruled out, the problem may involve the sampler drive, position sensing, mixer mechanism, internal fluidics, control electronics, or service-level configuration.
The analyzer should be:
- Removed from service if reliable sample presentation cannot be assured
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
- Evaluated using appropriate Radiometer service documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel
Do not force the sampler, disassemble internal fluidics, bypass position detection, or attempt unauthorized internal adjustment.
After repair, complete the applicable operational, analytical, and safety verification required by the manufacturer and facility before returning the analyzer to clinical use.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting and escalate a repeatable mechanical or sensing failure is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Redirect urgent blood-gas testing to another verified analyzer before evaluating an unreliable automatic sampler or inlet mechanism.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Laboratory staff reported that FLEXQ accepted the loaded sample position but would not present the sample to the analyzer inlet."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found dried residue in the accessible FLEXQ sample guide that prevented the sample container from seating correctly."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Cleaned the accessible guide using the approved procedure, verified repeated sample presentation and aspiration with test material, and returned the analyzer to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact displayed message or status
- Whether the sample was detected
- Whether mixing occurred
- Whether the sample advanced toward the inlet
- Sample container and accessory used
- Condition of the sample guide and inlet
- Any obstruction or contamination found
- Results using a known-good sample setup
- Results using an approved alternate sample-introduction method
- Abnormal sounds or mechanical binding
- Results before and after correction
- Final analyzer status
Final Thought
Protect patient testing first, then work from sample setup and external obstructions toward controlled functional testing. Verify the actual failure before assuming an internal sampler problem, escalate repeatable mechanical or sensing faults appropriately, and clearly document what was found and verified.
That is successful troubleshooting.