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Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Addresses cycles that cannot achieve required process temperature or pressure because of utility supply, loading, steam, water, controls, or service-level problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect Processing Integrity
Do not release a load from a cycle that failed to achieve the required validated process conditions. Quarantine or reprocess the load according to facility policy.
Use another verified washer until the affected unit is proven functional.
Expected outcome: Loads with uncertain processing conditions are not released for clinical use.
2. Confirm the Exact Failure
Determine whether the issue involves temperature, pressure, or both. Record the selected cycle, affected phase, and any displayed message.
Do not assume the displayed value itself is inaccurate without supporting evidence.
Expected outcome: The affected process parameter and phase are clearly identified.
3. Verify Relevant Facility Utilities
Confirm the facility supplies required for the selected process are available. This may include hot water, cold water, steam, electrical power, or other installed utilities.
Check whether other equipment supplied from the same infrastructure is experiencing similar problems.
Expected outcome: Required utilities are available. If a facility utility issue is corrected and the washer subsequently performs normally, troubleshooting can stop after verification.
4. Inspect Accessible Utility Connections
Check visible supply lines, hoses, valves, and connection points for obvious closure, kinking, leakage, or damage.
Do not adjust facility steam pressure, regulators, or other controlled infrastructure settings unless specifically authorized.
Expected outcome: External utility paths appear intact and available.
5. Verify Load Size and Position
Confirm that the washer is not improperly loaded and that the selected cycle is appropriate for the intended load.
Overloading or incorrect positioning can interfere with effective process conditions even when the washer itself is operating.
Expected outcome: Loading is appropriate and does not obstruct circulation or process performance.
6. Confirm Normal Cycle and Settings
Verify that the correct cycle is selected and that no unauthorized process configuration changes have been made.
Do not alter validated temperature, exposure, or other process parameters to force a cycle to complete.
Expected outcome: The washer is using its normal validated configuration.
7. Observe an Approved Test Cycle
Run an approved empty or test cycle and observe whether the displayed temperature or pressure progresses normally.
Document whether the problem consistently occurs at the same phase.
Expected outcome: The required process condition is achieved normally. If the test cycle completes successfully, troubleshooting can stop.
8. Compare With Independent Verification When Authorized
If applicable and available within the department's approved testing process, use suitable calibrated test equipment to verify whether the reported process condition is credible.
Do not substitute an informal measurement for a required manufacturer test method.
Expected outcome: The washer's performance is either verified or a discrepancy is documented for service escalation.
9. Escalate Unresolved Process-Condition Failure
If facility utilities, loading, cycle selection, and external connections are correct but required temperature or pressure still cannot be achieved, remove the washer from service.
Expected outcome: A potentially internal heating, sensing, flow, steam, or control problem is escalated appropriately.
If the Problem Persists
Common external causes have been ruled out. Remaining categories may include internal heaters, steam-control components, temperature or pressure sensing, circulation systems, internal valves, control logic, or configuration requiring qualified service.
The washer should be:
- Removed from service.
- Labeled Out of Service.
- Sent for repair or qualified service evaluation.
- Evaluated using applicable STERIS documentation and approved test equipment.
- Repaired, calibrated, or configured only by qualified personnel.
Return to service should include verification that required process conditions are achieved consistently and that the applicable cycle completes normally.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A completed-looking load should not be considered adequately processed if the washer failed to achieve required cycle conditions.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Sterile Processing reported the Reliance Vision repeatedly failed to reach the expected process temperature during a wash cycle."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the facility steam supply to the washer had been isolated following nearby maintenance."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Facilities restored the steam supply, and Clinical Engineering verified the washer completed a full test cycle with normal process progression."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Temperature or pressure concern
- Selected cycle
- Phase affected
- Exact displayed message
- Facility steam and water status
- Other equipment affected
- Load size and position
- Configuration observed
- Independent verification performed
- Test-cycle result
- Final device status
Final Thought
Process-condition failures must be treated as potential cleaning-quality failures. Verify external utilities and loading first, never change validated settings to mask the problem, and escalate when normal conditions cannot be restored and verified.
That is successful troubleshooting.