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Asset Type
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Helps troubleshoot access pressure alarms caused by catheter, tubing, positioning, access flow, or external setup issues.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Confirm patient safety and maintain therapy continuity
Do not troubleshoot the device while a patient depends on it for active CRRT therapy unless an alternate plan is in place. Verify the patient has appropriate clinical support and that treatment status is understood before intervention. Expected outcome: Patient safety is maintained and therapy is managed according to clinical direction.
2. Confirm the reported alarm condition
Verify the exact alarm message, when it occurs, and whether it occurs during startup, treatment, patient movement, or after a tubing change. Review the current circuit status and any recent setup changes. Expected outcome: The access pressure alarm condition is confirmed and related circumstances are identified.
3. Inspect the access line and external tubing path
Inspect the access catheter connection, access tubing, clamps, connectors, and visible tubing path for kinks, occlusions, closed clamps, excessive bending, or tension. Expected outcome: Access tubing is open, connected correctly, and free from external restrictions.
4. Verify patient access positioning and catheter-related external factors
Coordinate with clinical staff to verify the patient position and whether movement, posture, or catheter placement changes affect the alarm. Expected outcome: The access condition remains stable regardless of reasonable patient positioning changes.
5. Check external circuit components and connections
Verify all visible circuit connections are secure and properly seated. Inspect for loose connections, damaged components, or signs of leakage or clotting visible externally. Expected outcome: External circuit connections are secure and appear intact.
6. Compare with known-good external conditions when appropriate
If clinically appropriate, verify whether a known-good compatible circuit setup or alternate approved access arrangement changes the alarm behavior. Expected outcome: External causes are either corrected or ruled out.
7. Perform final functional verification
After correction of any external issue, verify the CRRT system operates without recurring access pressure alarms and that treatment continues as intended. Expected outcome: Access pressure remains within expected operating conditions. If the alarm is resolved, troubleshooting can stop.
If the Problem Persists
Common external causes such as tubing restrictions, connection issues, positioning concerns, and visible circuit problems have been ruled out. The device should be:
- Removed from service if safe operation cannot be maintained
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair or bench evaluation
- Evaluated using appropriate manufacturer documentation and approved test equipment
- Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel
Possible causes may include internal pressure sensing, control, or mechanical system issues requiring service evaluation. Knowing when to stop external troubleshooting is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Move the patient to an alternate verified CRRT solution if therapy cannot safely continue while troubleshooting.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported the PrisMax displayed an access pressure alarm during CRRT treatment."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the access tubing path was restricted by external positioning and corrected the tubing routing."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering repositioned the tubing, verified normal CRRT operation without recurring alarms, and returned the device to service."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Exact alarm message
- Patient treatment status
- Circuit status
- Catheter and tubing condition
- Visible kinks or restrictions
- Connections inspected
- Patient positioning at time of alarm
- Alarm recurrence after correction
- Final treatment verification
Final Thought
Safe CRRT troubleshooting starts with protecting therapy, checking external causes first, and verifying operation before assuming an internal equipment failure. Clear escalation and CCR documentation support patient safety and reliable equipment management. That is successful troubleshooting.