On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshooting reflectance, optics, strip reading, calibration, or detection errors caused by external or user-correctable conditions.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
Confirm no patient sample is actively being processed for a time-sensitive result.
If testing is needed immediately, direct staff to use another validated urine analyzer or approved backup method per lab policy.
Expected outcome: Patient testing is not delayed by a device with unresolved read errors.
Confirm the Reported Error
Ask staff when the optics or reflectance error occurs:
- During startup
- During calibration or self-check
- When reading a reagent strip
- Intermittently between samples
- After cleaning, maintenance, or strip lot change
Expected outcome: The failure pattern is identified before parts or internal issues are suspected.
Check for Proper Reagent Strip Use
Verify the correct Siemens-compatible urine reagent strips are being used.
Confirm strips are not expired, moisture-damaged, contaminated, or stored with the cap open.
Expected outcome: The analyzer is reading valid strips under acceptable storage conditions.
If replacing the strip container resolves the issue, return the device to service and document the finding.
Inspect the Test Table / Strip Feed Area
Power down the analyzer if needed and visually inspect the test table, strip loading area, and read path for:
- Dried urine
- Chemical residue
- Debris
- Misfed strips
- Staining
- Broken or warped strip transport parts
Expected outcome: The strip path is clean, unobstructed, and able to position the strip correctly.
If contamination is found, clean only according to approved operator-level cleaning procedures.
Verify Strip Positioning and Feed Behavior
Run a test using proper strip placement technique.
Observe whether the strip advances smoothly and sits correctly for reading.
Expected outcome: The strip is transported consistently and aligned for optical reading.
If the strip is skewed, slipping, or not reaching the read position, the issue may be mechanical rather than optical.
Check the Calibration Strip / Check Strip Condition
Inspect the calibration or check strip used by the analyzer, if applicable.
Look for scratches, discoloration, residue, fingerprints, or improper storage.
Expected outcome: The reference strip is clean, intact, and suitable for analyzer verification.
If replacing or properly cleaning the check strip resolves the error, stop troubleshooting and document.
Clean Accessible Optical Surfaces Only If Approved
Inspect accessible optical windows or read surfaces for residue, dust, or dried fluid.
Do not open the analyzer housing or clean internal optics unless the manufacturer procedure specifically allows it.
Expected outcome: Externally accessible optical surfaces are clean without disturbing internal alignment.
Confirm Environmental Conditions
Verify the analyzer is located on a stable, level surface away from:
- Direct sunlight
- Strong bench vibration
- Excessive humidity
- Heavy dust
- Splash zones
- Heat sources
Expected outcome: The analyzer is operating in an environment suitable for optical reflectance measurement.
Restart the Analyzer
Power the analyzer off, wait briefly, and power it back on.
Allow it to complete startup checks.
Expected outcome: Temporary software or sensor-state errors clear after restart.
If the optics error clears and a control check passes, return the analyzer to service.
Run Quality Control or Verification Testing
Have lab staff run the required QC material or analyzer check process per site policy.
Confirm whether results pass expected ranges.
Expected outcome: Analyzer performance is verified before patient testing resumes.
If QC fails after external causes are corrected, remove the unit from service.
Review Recent Changes
Ask whether the issue started after:
- New strip lot
- Cleaning
- Spill event
- Analyzer relocation
- Power outage
- Maintenance
- Software or configuration change
Expected outcome: A recent external trigger is identified or ruled out.
Check Power Stability
Confirm the analyzer is connected to a reliable outlet or approved power source.
Avoid loose power strips, overloaded outlets, or unstable bench power.
Expected outcome: The analyzer completes optical reading without power interruption or restart behavior.
If the Problem Persists
If the CLINITEK Advantus continues to report optics or reflectance read errors after strips, cleaning, positioning, environment, QC, and power have been checked, common external causes have been ruled out.
The issue may involve internal optics, reflectance sensors, lamp/LED source, transport timing, internal contamination, or control electronics.
The device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair, bench evaluation, or vendor service
Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting. Do not perform internal optical alignment, board-level repair, or disassembly unless specifically trained and authorized.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not troubleshoot optical read errors while patient testing depends on the analyzer. Move testing to another validated analyzer or approved backup workflow first. Urine analyzer errors can affect result accuracy, so the device should not return to service until QC or verification passes.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Lab staff reported the Siemens CLINITEK Advantus displayed an optics / reflectance read error during urine strip analysis."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Found dried residue in the strip feed/read area and moisture-exposed reagent strips from an improperly closed strip container."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Cleaned the accessible strip table area, replaced the reagent strip container, restarted the analyzer, and confirmed QC passed before returning the unit to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact optics or reflectance error message
- Whether the error occurs at startup, calibration, QC, or patient testing
- Reagent strip type and lot
- Strip expiration date
- Strip container condition
- Whether the cap was left open
- Test table / strip path condition
- Evidence of dried urine or chemical residue
- Calibration/check strip condition
- QC results after troubleshooting
- Outlet or power source checked
- Any unusual sounds from strip transport
- Any unusual heat, odor, or liquid intrusion
- Final device status
Final Thought
Optical and reflectance errors should be approached logically. Start with patient safety, reagent strip condition, cleaning, strip positioning, environment, and QC verification before suspecting internal failure. If the analyzer cannot reliably verify after these checks, remove it from service and escalate with clear CCR documentation.
That is successful troubleshooting.