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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoots missing or inadequate process chemistry or utility delivery caused by consumable installation, supply depletion, connections, loading, or external service conditions.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Load and Do Not Release an Incomplete Process
If required chemistry or another process medium was not delivered correctly, consider the cycle unsuccessful unless approved procedures specifically establish otherwise. Segregate the affected load.
Expected outcome: Patient-ready devices are not released from a questionable process, and alternate validated reprocessing remains available.
2. Confirm Which Delivery Function Failed
Determine whether the reported problem involves detergent, process chemistry, steam or another facility-supplied process service, and whether delivery is completely absent, intermittent, or rejected before the cycle begins. Record displayed messages.
Expected outcome: The affected delivery path and cycle phase are identified. If the problem no longer occurs, complete a verification cycle before stopping.
3. Verify the Correct Consumable Is Present
Check that required chemistry or detergent is available, correctly installed, and appropriate for the system and selected process. Inspect packaging and accessible connections for obvious damage or leakage.
Expected outcome: The required consumable is present and properly installed. If installation correction restores normal recognition and delivery, verify a complete cycle and stop.
4. Check Expiration and Condition
Verify consumables are within their permitted use period and have been stored and handled appropriately according to facility and manufacturer requirements. Do not use damaged, leaking, contaminated, or questionable chemistry.
Expected outcome: Consumables are suitable for use. If replacing an unsuitable consumable resolves the problem, perform functional verification and stop.
5. Inspect Accessible Tubing and Connections
Check external tubing, connectors, pickup points, and fittings associated with delivery for disconnection, kinking, pinching, blockage, or leakage. Do not open internal chemical-delivery assemblies.
Expected outcome: External delivery paths are correctly connected and unobstructed. If correcting a connection restores delivery, verify through a complete cycle.
6. Verify Facility-Supplied Utilities
For any delivery function dependent on building utilities, confirm the required service is available and accessible valves are open. Determine whether maintenance or utility outages recently occurred.
Expected outcome: Facility service is present. If restoration of the utility corrects the problem, complete a verification cycle and stop.
7. Verify Load and Cycle Selection
Confirm the selected process and load configuration require the consumables and accessories currently installed. Avoid changing protected process configuration merely to bypass an alarm.
Expected outcome: The correct approved process setup is being used. If setup correction resolves the issue, verify cycle completion.
8. Observe an Approved Test Cycle
Run a controlled test cycle when safe and observe whether the system recognizes and uses the required consumable or utility without alarms. Do not expose personnel to process chemicals while inspecting operation.
Expected outcome: Required delivery occurs normally and the cycle progresses to completion. If successful, proceed to final verification.
9. Perform Final Functional Verification
Verify consumable recognition, process progression, absence of leaks, successful cycle completion, and accurate cycle documentation.
Expected outcome: Delivery is reliable and the SYSTEM 1E completes its process normally. Troubleshooting can stop.
10. Escalate Persistent Delivery Failure
If correct consumables, external tubing, facility utilities, and process selection are verified but delivery still fails, stop external troubleshooting.
Expected outcome: The system is removed from service for evaluation of internal delivery or control components.
If the Problem Persists
Common consumable, connection, supply, loading, and facility utility causes have been ruled out. The remaining problem may involve internal pumps, valves, metering components, sensors, controls, plumbing, or configuration requiring qualified service.
Remove the SYSTEM 1E from service, label it Out of Service, and send it for repair or bench evaluation. Use appropriate STERIS service documentation and approved test equipment. Internal chemical-delivery repairs or adjustments should be completed only by qualified personnel.
Return-to-service testing should verify correct consumable recognition, delivery, process completion, leak-free operation, and required process performance.
Knowing when to stop before altering internal chemistry systems is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Never substitute unapproved chemistry or bypass a chemistry-related alarm to keep the reprocessor available.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Sterile Processing reported the SYSTEM 1E would not proceed because the required process chemistry was not being recognized."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the consumable connection was not fully seated."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Reseated the approved consumable connection, verified normal recognition and delivery during a complete functional cycle, and returned the unit to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Which consumable or delivery function failed
- Exact alarm or message
- Consumable condition and expiration status
- Installation status
- External tubing and connector condition
- Evidence of leakage
- Facility utility availability
- Selected cycle
- Load configuration
- Test cycle result
- Final device status
Final Thought
Keep questionable loads out of service, verify consumables and external delivery paths before assuming an internal problem, never bypass process safeguards, and document both the correction and final verification.
That is successful troubleshooting.