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Asset Type
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Helps troubleshoot return pressure alarms caused by tubing, patient access, circuit restrictions, or external setup issues.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Confirm patient safety and maintain therapy continuity
Do not troubleshoot active CRRT therapy while a patient depends on the treatment unless clinical staff have established a safe plan. Confirm the patient condition and treatment status before intervention. Expected outcome: Patient safety and treatment continuity are maintained.
2. Confirm the exact alarm condition
Verify the return pressure alarm message, timing, and circumstances. Determine whether it occurs during initiation, ongoing treatment, after patient movement, or after circuit handling. Expected outcome: The reported condition is confirmed.
3. Inspect the return line and tubing path
Inspect the return tubing for kinks, clamps, compression, sharp bends, or tension. Verify the tubing is routed without external obstruction. Expected outcome: Return tubing has a clear external path.
4. Inspect connections and visible circuit condition
Check visible connectors, fittings, and tubing connections for secure attachment, damage, leaks, or abnormal appearance. Expected outcome: External circuit connections are secure and intact.
5. Verify patient-side return factors with clinical staff
Confirm whether patient movement, access site condition, or positioning changes correspond with the alarm. Expected outcome: Patient-side external causes are identified or ruled out.
6. Evaluate external circuit components
If clinically appropriate, verify whether replacing external disposable components according to approved clinical procedures changes the alarm condition. Expected outcome: Disposable or setup-related causes are corrected or excluded.
7. Perform final functional verification
Verify the PrisMax resumes normal operation without recurring return pressure alarms. Expected outcome: Return pressure alarm no longer occurs. Troubleshooting can stop if normal operation is restored.
If the Problem Persists
External causes including tubing routing, connections, patient positioning, and visible circuit issues 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
Potential causes may involve internal pressure monitoring or system control functions requiring qualified evaluation.
Clinical Use Tip
Maintain alternate renal support planning if the CRRT device cannot safely continue treatment.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported a return pressure alarm occurring during PrisMax CRRT therapy."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the return line had an external restriction caused by tubing routing."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering corrected the tubing routing, verified proper operation, and returned the device for clinical use."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm message
- Treatment phase when alarm occurred
- Circuit age or recent changes
- Tubing routing
- Connection inspection
- Visible leaks or damage
- Patient positioning
- Final alarm verification
Final Thought
CRRT troubleshooting requires protecting patient therapy, ruling out external causes first, and escalating when equipment evaluation is required. Proper verification and documentation ensure safe equipment management. That is successful troubleshooting.