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Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Identifies causes when the camera image shows incorrect color, tint, or fails white balance, affecting visualization during procedures.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Confirm no patient is actively undergoing a procedure with the affected camera. Move the patient to a backup camera system if needed.
Verify Camera Head and Connections
- Disconnect and reconnect the camera head.
- Check for bent or damaged pins on the connector.
- Expectation: Secure connection should restore communication for color calibration.
Inspect Light Source and Fiber Optic Cable
- Ensure the light source is turned on and functioning.
- Swap fiber optic cable with a known working one.
- Expectation: Proper illumination is necessary for accurate white balance.
Perform White Balance Procedure
- Follow the system’s on-screen procedure for white balance using a sterile white reference card or object.
- Expectation: The camera should adjust colors correctly; if not, an error may display.
Check Camera Settings
- Confirm color mode and presets are correct.
- Reset settings to factory defaults if needed.
- Expectation: Misconfigured settings can cause color shifts.
Test with Alternate Camera Head or Console
- Swap camera head with a known working head or connect the current head to another console.
- Expectation: Determines if issue is head-specific or console-related.
If the Problem Persists
External causes have been ruled out.
Label the system Out of Service.
Remove from clinical use and send for service or bench evaluation.
Knowing when to escalate prevents patient risk and wasted troubleshooting time.
Clinical Use Tip
- Never perform color calibration on an active patient.
- Move the patient to another camera system first.
- Always verify illumination before troubleshooting white balance.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"OR staff reported the camera image appeared discolored and failed white balance."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Camera head connection and light source checked; settings confirmed; issue persists."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Device removed from service, labeled Out of Service, sent for repair."
Helpful Details to Include
- Fiber optic cable swapped and tested.
- Light source verified to output correct intensity.
- Console and camera head indicators normal.
- White balance procedure attempted; error persists.
- Device status: Out of Service.
Final Thought
Patient safety is paramount. Use logical troubleshooting from simple to complex, ruling out all external causes first. Escalation and proper CCR documentation maintain operational readiness and compliance.
That is successful troubleshooting.