Stryker LIFEPAK 35

Failed Self-Test / Device Not Ready

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Asset Type

Defibrillator

Manufacturer

Stryker

Model

LIFEPAK 35

What This Guide Helps With

Troubleshooting failed startup, Auto Test, or readiness checks caused by power, battery, accessory, connection, configuration, or persistent internal faults.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Ensure Patient Safety First

Do not troubleshoot a LIFEPAK 35 with a failed self-test or unresolved readiness condition while it is supporting an active patient.

Provide clinical staff with another verified defibrillator/monitor before removing the affected unit from service.

Expected: Patient care continues with a known-good device.

Why it matters: The LIFEPAK 35 provides critical monitoring and therapy functions; unresolved readiness faults must be evaluated away from active patient care.

2. Confirm the Exact Failure and Readiness Indication

Power on the device and document the actual observed condition:

Do not rely only on the report “self-test failed.” Capture the exact message and when it occurs.

Expected: The failure is reproduced or clearly identified.

If the issue cannot be reproduced: Review available test logs, inspect readiness indicators, and continue with controlled verification before returning the device to service.

Why it matters: Stryker’s LIFEPAK 35 PIP specifically verifies that the Service Wrench LED turns off after power-on testing and includes separate SHIFT Check and Auto Test verification.

3. Inspect the Device Externally

Inspect the LIFEPAK 35 for:

Check that installed batteries physically latch into both battery wells.

Expected: No external damage or environmental condition explains the failed readiness state.

If significant damage, liquid intrusion, unusual heat, or burnt odor is found: Stop troubleshooting, remove the device from service, and escalate for repair evaluation.

Why it matters: Stryker’s closed-case PIP begins with an exterior physical inspection and includes checking the housing, connectors, battery retention, accessory seating, and loose hardware.

4. Verify a Known-Good Power Configuration

Test the device using a controlled power setup:

Observe the auxiliary-power and battery indications.

Expected: The device has a stable power source and starts without low-power behavior.

If resolved: Document the defective outlet, adapter, cable, or power condition and stop.

Why it matters: The Stryker PIP power-on setup uses functional charged batteries and auxiliary power, and separately verifies auxiliary-power indication and battery-source management.

5. Test the Batteries Individually

Remove and inspect each battery for:

Test using known-good charged batteries when available. Evaluate one battery position at a time, then repeat with the second battery well as appropriate.

Expected: The device recognizes installed batteries and operates without the failed readiness condition.

If the issue follows one battery: Remove that battery from service and evaluate it separately.

If the issue follows one battery well: Remove the defibrillator from service and escalate for bench evaluation.

Stryker’s PIP verifies battery installation, recognition, and continued operation while switching between battery sources.

6. Disconnect Nonessential External Accessories

With the device off and removed from patient use, disconnect nonessential external accessories as applicable, such as:

Restart the device in a minimal known-good configuration.

Expected: The device completes startup without the previous failure.

If resolved: Reconnect accessories one at a time until the failure returns. Remove the suspect accessory from service and confirm operation with a known-good compatible replacement.

Why it matters: This isolates externally connected equipment before assuming an internal device failure. Stryker’s PIP separately checks accessory seating and multiple external interfaces.

7. Inspect and Reseat Required Connections

Inspect any required therapy or monitoring connection associated with the reported failure.

Verify:

Substitute a known-good compatible cable or accessory when available.

Expected: Required accessories are recognized and remain stable.

If resolved: Remove the failed cable or accessory from service and stop.

8. Perform a Controlled Power Cycle

With the device off the patient:

Do not repeatedly power-cycle a device that shows unusual heat, odor, visible damage, or a persistent therapy-related fault.

Expected: The unit starts normally and the failed readiness condition does not recur.

If resolved: Continue with formal readiness verification before return to service.

9. Check Date and Time

Verify the displayed date and time are correct.

Correct them through the approved configuration process when authorized by facility policy and manufacturer instructions.

Expected: Date and time are accurate.

Why it matters: The LIFEPAK 35 PIP includes date/time verification alongside Auto Test evaluation, helping ensure test-log interpretation is accurate.

10. Review Test Logs

Navigate through the approved device menu structure and review the available test logs.

Look for:

Record the exact result before clearing, resetting, or altering anything.

Expected: The failure history helps identify whether the condition was isolated or recurring.

Why it matters: Stryker’s PIP directs service personnel to the Test Logs tab to verify that the Auto Test passed. The same PIP identifies Auto Test as a daily automated test that performs several functional tests.

11. Run the Approved SHIFT Check

With the LIFEPAK 35 removed from patient use and configured according to approved procedures, perform the device’s SHIFT Check.

Follow the prompts and document any individual failed item.

Expected: No SHIFT Check tests fail.

If a specific item fails: Troubleshoot that function externally first. For example, verify the associated cable, accessory, connection, power source, or required setup condition.

If the same item repeatedly fails with known-good external components: Stop and escalate for bench evaluation.

Stryker’s PIP includes the SHIFT Check and specifies verification that no tests fail during the check.

12. Run and Verify the Auto Test

When safe and appropriate, initiate the approved Auto Test through the LIFEPAK 35 menu structure and then review the Test Logs.

Expected: Auto Test shows a passed result.

If the Auto Test passes after correction of an external issue: Complete the required post-service functional verification before return to use.

If Auto Test fails again: Do not repeatedly rerun the test without addressing the underlying condition. Remove the unit from service and escalate.

Stryker’s LIFEPAK 35 PIP directs service personnel to select Auto Test and then verify in Test Logs that the Auto Test passed.

13. Verify the Service Wrench LED Clears

During power-on, observe the front-panel indicators.

It is normal for the front-panel LEDs, including the service LED, to illuminate momentarily during startup testing.

After startup:

Expected: The Service Wrench LED is off.

If the Service Wrench LED remains on: Treat the unit as having an unresolved service condition. Remove it from clinical service and escalate for bench evaluation.

Stryker’s PIP explicitly checks that the front-panel LEDs momentarily illuminate during power-on and then verifies that the Service Wrench LED is off.

14. Complete Appropriate Functional Verification Before Return to Service

A device that previously failed a readiness check should not be returned to clinical use solely because it powers on once.

Perform the applicable facility-approved and manufacturer-supported functional evaluation based on the fault and work performed.

For formal service evaluation, Stryker provides a closed-case LIFEPAK 35 Performance Inspection Procedure intended to determine whether the device operates within required specifications. The PIP is also specified after repair, replacement, or calibration procedures.

Expected: Required verification passes with no recurring readiness fault.

If any required test fails: Stop and escalate.

If the Problem Persists

If the LIFEPAK 35 continues to fail startup, SHIFT Check, Auto Test, readiness verification, or retains an abnormal Service Wrench indication after power sources, batteries, external accessories, connections, and basic configuration have been ruled out, the issue is likely beyond external troubleshooting.

The device should be:

Do not continue repeated resets or return the device to use because the fault temporarily disappears.

Stryker’s LIFEPAK 35 PIP states that failures should be corrected using troubleshooting information in the Service Manual and the PIP then repeated.

Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot a failed self-test or unresolved readiness condition while the LIFEPAK 35 is supporting an active patient.

Move the patient to another verified defibrillator/monitor first. A device that powers on but continues to show a failed test, persistent service indication, or unexplained recurring fault should not be assumed ready for emergency therapy.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"Clinical staff reported the LIFEPAK 35 failed its readiness check and displayed a failed self-test condition."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Found one battery produced abnormal recognition behavior; device completed startup, SHIFT Check, and Auto Test normally with known-good LIFEPAK 35 batteries installed."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Removed the suspect battery from service, verified normal device operation with known-good batteries, completed required functional checks, and returned the defibrillator to service."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

Final Thought

A failed readiness check on a defibrillator requires a patient-safety-first response. Rule out external power, batteries, accessories, connections, and configuration issues logically, verify the actual failed test, and escalate persistent faults appropriately. Clear CCR documentation preserves what was reported, what was found, and why the device was returned to service or removed for repair.

That is successful troubleshooting.

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