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What This Guide Helps With
This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting a Smiths Medical CADD Legacy infusion pump that runs on two AA batteries and either won’t power on or fails to operate correctly. Common symptoms include:
- Pump does not turn on when pressing the power button.
- Battery icon shows low or empty even with new batteries.
- Intermittent power loss during operation.
The guide emphasizes external checks first, avoiding internal electronics work.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Confirm the pump is not currently connected to a patient.
- If the device was in use, transfer therapy to a backup pump before troubleshooting.
- Disconnect the pump from patient tubing and accessories if necessary.
Why: Troubleshooting should never interrupt active patient therapy.
Verify Battery Type and Condition
- Confirm the pump uses two fresh AA alkaline batteries.
- Replace with new, known-good batteries.
Why: Weak or incorrect batteries are the most common cause of power failure.
Check Battery Orientation and Contacts
- Remove batteries and re-insert, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
- Inspect battery compartment for corrosion, dirt, or bent contacts.
- Clean contacts with a soft cloth or isopropyl alcohol if needed.
Why: Poor contact prevents the pump from powering on even with good batteries.
Attempt Power-On With Fresh Batteries
- Insert new batteries and press the power button.
- Observe if the pump powers on normally.
Why: Confirms whether the issue is battery-related or internal.
Observe LED Indicators or Error Messages
- Check for flashing lights or battery warnings.
Why: Indicates if pump electronics recognize the batteries.
Reset Pump Electronics
- Remove batteries for at least 30 seconds, then reinsert.
- Attempt power-on again.
Why: A simple power-cycle can clear minor electronic faults.
If the Problem Persists
Fresh batteries inserted correctly, contacts cleaned, and correct polarity verified.
Device still will not power on.
- Remove pump from service.
- Label Out of Service.
- Send to Biomedical Engineering bench evaluation for potential internal repair.
Stopping at this point is correct troubleshooting once external causes have been ruled out.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot on an actively infusing patient.
Move the patient to a backup pump first.
Only handle battery issues when the device is safely disconnected from patient therapy.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
“Pump will not power on; batteries appear dead.”
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
“Two AA batteries replaced with fresh alkalines; correct polarity and contacts verified; pump still fails to power on.”
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
“Device removed from service and sent to Biomedical Engineering for bench evaluation.”
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Batteries replaced and tested
- Battery contacts cleaned and inspected
- LED indicators: flashing red or no response
- Pump final status: Out of Service
Final Thought
Always start with simple external checks—fresh batteries and clean contacts—before assuming internal failure. Proper documentation and knowing when to escalate ensures patient safety and preserves pump functionality.
That is successful troubleshooting.