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What This Guide Helps With
Addresses failed System 8 inspection, verification, or applicable test routines without assuming the handpiece provides a user-accessible calibration function.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect the Patient and Remove Questionable Equipment From Clinical Use
Do not use a surgical power handpiece that has failed a required performance, verification, or service test until the failure is understood and corrected.
Use another verified device for patient care.
Expected outcome: The questionable equipment is isolated from clinical use during evaluation.
2. Identify the Exact Test That Failed
Determine whether the reported "self-test" or "calibration" refers to:
- A handpiece functional check
- A charger diagnostic or indicator sequence
- A facility performance test
- Manufacturer-specified service verification
- An accessory-specific check
Do not assume the System 8 handpiece has a user calibration routine if the test is actually being performed by external service equipment.
Expected outcome: The failed test and required expected behavior are clearly identified from approved documentation.
3. Confirm the Test Setup
Verify that:
- The correct handpiece is being tested
- The correct compatible battery is installed
- Required accessories are present or removed as specified
- Test fixtures are correctly connected
- Test equipment is appropriate for the procedure
- The test equipment itself is within its required calibration status
Expected outcome: The test setup is valid and capable of producing meaningful results.
4. Inspect the Device and Test Interfaces
Check accessible areas for:
- Contamination
- Mechanical damage
- Battery contact problems
- Loose attachment interfaces
- Worn accessories
- Damaged test leads or fixtures
Correct external setup issues before repeating a test.
Expected outcome: External conditions that could falsely cause a failed test are eliminated.
5. Verify the Battery With a Known-Good Substitute
Use a verified charged compatible battery when battery condition could affect the test.
If the test passes with the known-good battery, evaluate the original battery separately.
Expected outcome: Battery condition is either ruled out or identified as the cause.
6. Simplify the Accessory Configuration
Remove unnecessary attachments or accessories and repeat only the applicable portion of the approved check.
When the test requires an attachment, use a known-good compatible component.
Expected outcome: An accessory-related failure is separated from a basic handpiece performance problem.
7. Repeat the Approved Test Once External Causes Are Corrected
Perform the applicable verification exactly as required by the approved procedure. Do not alter service limits, bypass test steps, or enter unauthorized diagnostic modes to obtain a passing result.
Expected outcome: The equipment completes the required test successfully. Troubleshooting can stop after documentation and return-to-service requirements are satisfied.
8. Compare Against Known-Good Equipment When Appropriate
If uncertainty remains about the test fixture or procedure, evaluate a known-good System 8 component using the same approved test setup.
This helps distinguish a device problem from a test-system problem.
Expected outcome: The test equipment and procedure are confirmed to function normally, or a testing-system issue is identified.
9. Escalate a Reproducible Test Failure
If the device continues to fail an approved test with valid test equipment, verified battery power, and known-good compatible accessories, remove it from service.
Do not adjust internal calibration parameters or alter internal components without authorized service instructions and qualifications.
Expected outcome: The device is routed for qualified service rather than returned to clinical use with an unresolved test failure.
If the Problem Persists
The test setup, test equipment, battery, accessory configuration, and accessible device condition have been verified. A persistent failure may involve internal mechanical wear, motor performance, control functions, internal connections, or another service-level condition.
The device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
- Evaluated with appropriate Stryker documentation and approved test equipment
- Calibrated, configured, or repaired only by qualified personnel when such procedures are applicable
Following repair, repeat the complete required verification before return to service. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
A failed required performance test is itself sufficient reason to keep the surgical power handpiece out of use until the result is resolved.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"During scheduled evaluation, the System 8 handpiece would not complete the required functional verification with the installed battery."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found that the installed battery was unreliable and the handpiece completed the same approved test with a known-good charged battery."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Removed the affected battery from service and repeated the required handpiece functional verification successfully before returning the handpiece to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact test performed
- Test equipment used
- Test-equipment calibration status
- Battery identification and condition
- Attachments or accessories installed
- Initial failed result
- Known-good comparison results
- Repeat test result
- Any physical damage found
- Final disposition
Final Thought
A failed test should lead to verification of the test setup, battery, accessories, and equipment condition before internal failure is assumed. Do not adjust equipment merely to make a test pass; isolate the cause, verify the correction, and document the final result.
That is successful troubleshooting.