On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Use this guide when gantry or patient-table movement is unavailable, inhibited, intermittent, or does not respond to expected positioning controls.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient From Unintended Movement
Stop the examination and ensure the patient is stable before troubleshooting motion. If necessary, safely transfer the patient to another imaging system. Do not test unreliable motion with a patient on the table. Expected outcome: No patient is exposed to unexpected table or gantry motion.
2. Confirm Which Motion Is Affected
Determine whether the problem affects table travel, table height, gantry positioning, or all motion. Confirm whether the failure occurs from one control location or every available normal control location. Expected outcome: The affected motion function and control location are clearly identified.
3. Check Emergency and Motion-Inhibit Conditions
Verify that accessible emergency-stop controls are released and that no visible safety interlock or system message indicates motion is inhibited. Do not bypass safety devices. Expected outcome: No external emergency or safety condition is intentionally preventing motion. If correcting the condition restores normal movement, proceed to verification and stop troubleshooting.
4. Inspect the Patient Table and Gantry Area for Obstructions
Check for equipment, cables, linens, accessories, transport devices, or other objects that could physically obstruct movement or trigger collision protection. Expected outcome: The travel path is clear and no external object interferes with motion.
5. Verify Accessories and Table Setup
Confirm that removable tabletop accessories, supports, positioning devices, and connected accessories are properly seated and are not interfering with movement. Expected outcome: External accessories are correctly positioned and do not restrict travel.
6. Check Operator Controls and System State
Confirm the scanner is fully started, not in an error or service state, and that the expected positioning controls are responsive. Compare operation from another approved control position if available. Expected outcome: Controls respond normally or the problem is isolated to one external control interface.
7. Perform an Approved Reset if Appropriate
If the system is stable and no mechanical damage, unusual sound, or collision condition is present, use the normal approved reset or restart process. Do not force movement or repeatedly command motion against resistance. Expected outcome: Normal positioning control returns without abnormal noise or motion. If so, continue to final verification and stop troubleshooting.
8. Verify Motion Without a Patient
Exercise only the affected positioning functions through a safe range using approved nonpatient testing. Observe for smooth, controlled, predictable movement and proper stopping. Expected outcome: Gantry and table movement is smooth and responsive without warnings, abnormal noise, or unintended movement.
9. Escalate Persistent or Unsafe Motion Problems
If motion remains unavailable, becomes erratic, produces unusual mechanical sounds, stops unexpectedly, or indicates a safety-system fault, discontinue troubleshooting. Expected outcome: The scanner is removed from clinical use pending qualified service.
If the Problem Persists
External obstructions, accessible emergency controls, table accessories, system state, and normal operator controls have been checked. The remaining cause may involve internal motion-control electronics, drives, sensors, interlocks, mechanical assemblies, or system configuration.
The scanner should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or appropriate service evaluation
- Evaluated using Siemens Healthineers documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel
Return-to-service testing should verify all affected motion, safety stops, positioning functions, and associated scanner operation before patient use. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot intermittent or unpredictable table or gantry motion while a patient remains positioned on the system.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"CT staff reported that patient-table movement on the SOMATOM X.cite was unavailable from the normal positioning controls."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found a positioning accessory interfering with the table travel path."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"The obstruction was removed, table travel was tested without a patient, and normal controlled movement was verified before return to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact motion that failed
- Control location used
- Emergency-stop condition
- Any displayed motion-related message
- Obstructions or accessories present
- Evidence of collision or damage
- Abnormal sound or vibration
- Whether other motion functions worked normally
- Results after approved reset
- Final motion verification
Final Thought
Patient safety comes first with any positioning problem. Rule out obstructions, accessible controls, accessories, and system state before assuming an internal motion fault, then verify safe motion or escalate appropriately.
That is successful troubleshooting.