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What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshoot optional bed-scale zeroing failures or unstable readings caused by external contact, accessory changes, movement, or weighing setup problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect Patient Safety and Verify Scale Availability
Confirm that the specific Secure II bed is equipped with an integrated scale.
Do not use unreliable bed weights for medication dosing, fluid management, or other clinical decisions.
Arrange an alternate verified weighing method when needed.
Do not remove an occupied patient's support or required equipment merely to troubleshoot the scale.
Expected outcome: Clinical decisions are not dependent on an unverified weight reading.
2. Confirm the Reported Scale Problem
Determine whether the scale:
- Refuses to zero
- Displays an unstable value
- Changes weight without an apparent load change
- Produces inconsistent repeated measurements
Record any displayed messages or indicators.
Expected outcome: The exact weighing failure is identified.
3. Verify Bed Position and Stability
Place the unoccupied bed on a suitable, level floor.
Apply the brakes.
Verify that all casters contact the floor normally.
Allow the bed to become stationary before evaluating the scale.
Expected outcome: The bed is stable and positioned for accurate weighing.
4. Inspect for External Contact
Check whether the bed frame, deck, or accessories contact walls, furniture, equipment, or other objects.
Inspect for cables or hoses pulled tight against the bed.
Ensure that external objects are not supporting or applying force to the bed.
Expected outcome: The bed is free of unintended external loads and contact.
5. Verify Accessories and Load Conditions
Identify installed accessories, mattress components, linens, and other items contributing to bed weight.
Determine whether equipment was added or removed after the previous zero or tare operation.
Use only the approved scale preparation and zeroing process.
Expected outcome: The scale setup reflects the actual installed equipment and load conditions.
6. Check Scale Controls and Settings
Inspect available scale controls for damage or unresponsiveness.
Verify the displayed unit of measurement and applicable weighing mode.
Confirm that the correct zero or tare function is being used according to the installed scale instructions.
Do not access restricted calibration settings.
Expected outcome: The scale controls and authorized settings are correct.
7. Perform an Approved Zero and Stability Test
With the bed prepared according to manufacturer instructions, perform the approved zeroing procedure.
Allow the displayed reading to stabilize.
Observe whether the value remains stable without movement or load changes.
If the scale zeros successfully and remains stable, proceed to verification.
Expected outcome: The scale completes zeroing and maintains a stable reading.
8. Verify With an Approved Test Load
Use approved calibrated test weights and the applicable Stryker verification procedure.
Compare the displayed value with the expected result using manufacturer-specified criteria.
Do not invent acceptance tolerances or adjust calibration to force a passing result.
If the scale passes all applicable checks, troubleshooting can stop.
Expected outcome: Scale readings meet the required manufacturer verification criteria.
If the Problem Persists
External contact, bed position, load conditions, and user-accessible scale settings have been checked.
Remaining causes may include weighing sensors, mechanical load transfer, internal wiring, or scale electronics.
Remove the bed from service, label it Out of Service, and arrange qualified bench evaluation or repair using Stryker documentation and approved test equipment.
Calibration or component replacement must be performed only by authorized personnel.
Complete scale accuracy and stability verification before returning the scale to clinical use.
Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Confirm that accessories and equipment are accounted for before accepting a bed-scale weight for clinical decisions.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Nursing reported that the Secure II bed scale displayed changing weight values while the bed was stationary."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found that an external equipment cable was taut and applying force to the bed frame."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Repositioned the cable, repeated the approved zeroing procedure, and verified stable scale readings using an approved test load."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Installed scale configuration
- Reported weight behavior
- Bed position and brake status
- Floor condition
- External contact points
- Accessories and loads present
- Scale messages
- Zeroing results
- Test weight identification
- Final accuracy and stability results
Final Thought
Accurate bed weighing depends on stable positioning and freedom from unintended external forces. Verify the setup before considering internal scale failure. Escalate unsuccessful accuracy checks and document the verified results to protect patient care.
That is successful troubleshooting.