On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots missing or inconsistent chemistry delivery caused by empty containers, tubing problems, incorrect connections, loading conditions, or service-level dispensing faults.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect Processing and Confirm the Complaint
Do not rely on a cycle with unverified chemistry delivery. Follow facility procedures for any load processed during a suspected detergent or chemistry failure.
Confirm whether:
- Chemistry was not consumed
- A low-chemistry condition was reported
- The cycle aborted
- Dispensing appears intermittent
- One chemistry channel or multiple channels are affected
Expected outcome: The affected chemistry and failure pattern are identified.
2. Verify the Correct Chemistry Is Available
Confirm the required approved chemistry container is present and contains sufficient product.
Check the product identification according to facility practice. Do not substitute chemicals based only on container fit.
Expected outcome: The correct approved chemistry is available. If replacing an empty approved container restores normal operation, verify dispensing and stop troubleshooting.
3. Inspect External Pickup Tubing
Inspect accessible chemistry tubing for:
- Kinks
- Pinching
- Disconnection
- Cracks
- Air gaps
- Incorrect routing
- Tubing not fully inserted into the intended container
Wear appropriate PPE and avoid direct chemical contact.
Expected outcome: External tubing is intact and properly routed. If correcting an external tubing problem restores dispensing, complete verification and stop.
4. Verify the Correct Container Connection
Confirm each pickup tube is connected to the intended chemistry and has not been swapped during container replacement or housekeeping.
Expected outcome: Each chemistry connection matches its intended supply. If correcting the connection resolves the problem, verify the next approved cycle.
5. Inspect for Leakage
Look for visible chemical leakage around the container, tubing, floor, and accessible connection points.
Do not operate the washer with an active chemical leak.
Expected outcome: No external chemistry leakage is present. Leakage that cannot be corrected externally requires removal from service.
6. Confirm Cycle Selection
Verify the selected cycle is one that normally uses the chemistry in question. Do not alter validated cycle chemistry settings without authorization.
Expected outcome: The selected cycle appropriately calls for the required chemistry.
7. Observe Chemistry Consumption During Verification
When permitted, mark or otherwise document the starting chemistry level and run an approved verification cycle.
Do not infer correct dosing solely from a slight change in container level when precise verification is required.
Expected outcome: Chemistry delivery is confirmed according to approved manufacturer or facility verification procedures.
8. Perform Final Functional Verification
Verify the washer completes the intended cycle without chemistry-related alarms and that required dispensing checks pass.
Expected outcome: Correct chemistry delivery and cycle completion are demonstrated. Troubleshooting can stop.
9. Escalate if Dispensing Remains Unverified
If the correct chemistry is available and external tubing and connections are normal but delivery remains absent or inconsistent, stop external troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: The washer is removed from service pending qualified evaluation.
If the Problem Persists
The remaining issue may involve an internal dispensing pump, flow monitoring, tubing, controls, calibration, configuration, or related service-level components.
The washer should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench/service evaluation
- Evaluated using appropriate STERIS documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired, calibrated, or configured only by qualified personnel
Return-to-service testing must verify proper chemistry delivery and successful cycle operation. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Any load processed while detergent or required chemistry delivery is uncertain should be handled according to facility reprocessing policy rather than assumed clean.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Sterile Processing reported the Reliance 444 was completing cycles but detergent did not appear to be dispensing."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the detergent pickup tube kinked behind the chemistry container."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"The tubing was repositioned, correct chemistry delivery was verified during an approved test cycle, and the washer was returned to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Chemistry affected
- Container level
- Product identification
- Pickup tubing condition
- Connections checked
- Leakage observed
- Cycle selected
- Chemistry-related alarm or message
- Verification method
- Final device status
Final Thought
Start with the chemistry container, pickup tubing, connections, leaks, and selected cycle before assuming an internal dispensing failure. Do not return the washer to service until required chemistry delivery has been verified and documented.
That is successful troubleshooting.