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Asset Type
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Helps troubleshoot transmembrane pressure alarms caused by circuit conditions, filter loading, setup, or external restrictions.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Confirm patient safety before troubleshooting
Ensure the patient is supported and clinical staff are aware of the condition. Do not troubleshoot active therapy without appropriate clinical coordination. Expected outcome: Patient safety is maintained.
2. Verify the alarm condition
Confirm the exact alarm message, timing, and whether the alarm is intermittent or persistent. Expected outcome: The reported condition is confirmed.
3. Inspect tubing and external circuit path
Check visible tubing for kinks, compression, clamps, or restrictions that could affect flow. Expected outcome: External flow restrictions are corrected or ruled out.
4. Verify circuit setup and connections
Inspect visible connections and disposable installation for secure placement and proper external setup. Expected outcome: Circuit setup appears correct.
5. Review filter and treatment-related external factors
Coordinate with clinical staff regarding treatment duration, circuit condition, and any recent changes associated with the alarm. Expected outcome: External contributors are identified or excluded.
6. Perform final verification
After correction, verify stable operation and absence of recurring alarms. Expected outcome: The device operates normally. Troubleshooting can stop.
If the Problem Persists
External causes 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 remaining causes include internal monitoring or control issues requiring service evaluation.
Clinical Use Tip
Coordinate with clinical staff before making any changes that may interrupt ongoing therapy.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported a transmembrane pressure high alarm during PrisMax CRRT therapy."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found no external tubing or setup issues during inspection."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering verified the device condition, documented findings, and escalated for qualified service evaluation."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm message
- Treatment duration
- Circuit observations
- Tubing condition
- Setup verification
- Clinical observations
- Final disposition
Final Thought
Safe troubleshooting requires ruling out external causes, verifying equipment performance, and knowing when escalation is appropriate. Accurate documentation supports safe patient care and equipment reliability. That is successful troubleshooting.