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Asset Type
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
This guide assists Clinical Engineering in troubleshooting situations where the Vantive PrisMax CRRT system triggers an air detector alarm. Symptoms may include audible alarms, sudden machine pause, treatment interruption, or visual air-in-line warnings. Most issues originate from external factors such as air in the circuit, improper tubing setup, or sensor misalignment before considering internal component failure.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- Stop therapy and clamp lines if safe.
- Switch patient to alternate CRRT device or therapy line if necessary.
- Air alarms must be cleared before resuming therapy.
Inspect Tubing for Air
- Check all bloodlines for visible air bubbles.
- Ensure all connections are fully seated and tight.
- Remove any bubbles using the manufacturer-recommended procedure (e.g., prime or manual air removal).
Check Blood Flow and Circuit Position
- Verify that the circuit is positioned correctly in the machine.
- Ensure the tubing is not kinked or looped in a way that traps air.
- Confirm correct connection to arterial and venous ports.
Examine the Air Detector Sensor
- Inspect the air detector chamber for contamination, moisture, or residue.
- Clean the chamber according to external cleaning guidelines—do not disassemble internal electronics.
- Ensure sensor is seated properly in its holder.
Confirm Machine Setup
- Verify the correct therapy prescription is loaded.
- Ensure alarms are acknowledged and the system is in ready mode.
- Check that the priming procedure was performed correctly.
Power Cycle the Device
- Turn off the machine, wait 30 seconds, and power back on.
- Recheck for air alarm clearance before resuming therapy.
If the Problem Persists
All external causes have been ruled out. The device may have a faulty air detector or internal circuitry issue.
- Remove the device from service.
- Label as Out of Service.
- Send for manufacturer repair or bench evaluation.
Knowing when to stop troubleshooting prevents patient harm and equipment damage.
Clinical Use Tip
- Never attempt internal sensor repair while a patient is connected.
- Always ensure an alternate therapy method is available before troubleshooting.
- Monitor the patient closely for signs of air embolism if air was detected.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
“CRRT machine alarmed for air in line, therapy paused unexpectedly.”
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
“Visible air bubble detected in venous line; air detector chamber appeared misaligned and slightly contaminated.”
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
“Circuit was cleared of air, air detector chamber cleaned externally, connections verified, therapy restarted successfully.”
Helpful Details to Include
- Outlet tested: Yes/No
- Tubing replaced or re-primed
- Air detector chamber cleaned
- Alarm behavior before and after troubleshooting
- Final device status: Ready for use / Out of Service
Final Thought
Always prioritize patient safety, approach troubleshooting logically from external causes to internal possibilities, and document each step thoroughly. Escalation is a key part of responsible Clinical Engineering.
That is successful troubleshooting.