On this page
Asset Type
Manufacturer
Model
What This Guide Helps With
Troubleshooting inconsistent bladder volume readings caused by positioning, scanning technique, probe issues, settings, patient factors, or device condition.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
Do not delay urinary assessment or treatment if the patient’s clinical condition does not match the scanner reading.
Action:
- Remove the BladderScan BVI 9400 from clinical use if readings are clearly unreliable, erratic, or do not match patient symptoms.
- Have clinical staff verify the patient condition using another scanner, catheterization, or approved clinical method if needed.
Expected outcome: Patient care decisions are not based on a scanner that may be reporting inaccurate volume.
Why it matters: An inaccurate bladder volume can lead to delayed catheterization, unnecessary catheterization, or missed urinary retention.
Verify the Reported Problem
Confirm whether the issue is truly inconsistent readings or a scanning technique concern.
Action:
Ask clinical staff what they are seeing:
- Readings vary widely between repeated scans
- Scanner reports very low volume despite suspected retention
- Scanner reports high volume unexpectedly
- Bladder not centered during scan
- Scan quality indicator is poor
- Issue occurs with all users or only some users
Expected outcome: The failure pattern is understood before assuming a device problem.
If the issue is clearly user- or technique-related, provide education and retest before removing the device from service.
Confirm Proper Patient and Probe Positioning
Check that scanning technique is appropriate.
Action:
- Confirm the probe is placed over the lower abdomen, aimed toward the bladder, and held steady during the scan.
- Verify adequate ultrasound gel is used.
- Repeat the scan after repositioning the probe slightly and rescanning.
Expected outcome: Readings become more consistent when probe placement and scan angle are corrected.
Why it matters: Bladder scanners are highly dependent on probe angle, patient anatomy, gel contact, and proper targeting.
If readings stabilize after proper positioning, return the device to service.
Check for Patient Factors That Can Affect Readings
Rule out clinical conditions that may cause inaccurate bladder volume estimates.
Action:
Ask staff if the patient has factors such as:
- Obesity or difficult anatomy
- Ascites
- Pregnancy
- Abdominal wounds or dressings
- Pelvic masses
- Recent bladder surgery
- Patient movement during scan
- Very low bladder volume
Expected outcome: Clinical staff understand that some patients may produce less reliable scan results.
Why it matters: The device may be functioning normally but limited by patient condition or ultrasound visibility.
Inspect the Probe Face and Cable
Check the probe for obvious external damage.
Action:
- Inspect the probe face for cracks, dents, residue, dried gel, or contamination.
- Inspect the probe cable for cuts, kinks, strain, loose connection, or intermittent movement-related faults.
- Clean the probe according to facility procedure and manufacturer-compatible disinfectant guidance.
Expected outcome: Probe surface is clean, intact, and properly connected.
If damage is found, remove the device from service and send for repair evaluation.
Verify the Probe Connection
Confirm the probe is fully connected to the scanner.
Action:
- Power the unit off.
- Check that the probe connector is secure and not loose or visibly damaged.
- Reconnect the probe if safe and appropriate.
- Power the unit back on and repeat a test scan.
Expected outcome: Scanner recognizes the probe normally and produces stable readings.
If the probe connection is loose, damaged, or intermittent, remove the device from service.
Check Battery and Power Condition
Verify that low battery or unstable power is not affecting operation.
Action:
- Check battery status on the unit.
- Place the scanner on the charging base or connect it to the correct charging setup.
- Allow adequate charge time if the battery is low.
- Repeat testing after the battery level is acceptable.
Expected outcome: Scanner operates normally without low-power behavior, shutdowns, freezing, or inconsistent performance.
If the battery will not hold charge or the unit behaves erratically, remove it from service for battery or power evaluation.
Check Device Settings and User Selection
Verify that the correct operating mode or patient setting is being used if applicable.
Action:
- Confirm staff are using the appropriate scan mode or patient selection options available on the device.
- Check whether a setting was changed before the issue started.
- Compare readings using the same patient position and scan method.
Expected outcome: Readings improve when correct scan settings and consistent technique are used.
Why it matters: Incorrect mode selection or inconsistent setup can create repeatability problems.
Perform a Controlled Repeatability Check
Test whether the device produces repeatable results under controlled conditions.
Action:
- Have the same trained person perform multiple scans on the same patient or approved test condition.
- Keep patient position, probe location, gel amount, and scan angle as consistent as possible.
- Record the displayed volumes and whether the bladder targeting indicator appears centered.
Expected outcome: Repeated scans should be reasonably consistent when technique and conditions are controlled.
If readings swing widely despite controlled technique, the issue may be device- or probe-related.
Compare Against Another Bladder Scanner if Available
Use a known-good scanner for comparison.
Action:
- Scan the same patient with another verified bladder scanner using the same general technique.
- Compare the results.
Expected outcome: The suspect BVI 9400 should produce readings in a similar clinical range.
If the BVI 9400 is consistently far off compared with a known-good scanner, remove it from service.
Restart the Unit and Recheck
Clear possible temporary software or startup issues.
Action:
- Power the unit off.
- Wait briefly.
- Power it back on and allow it to complete startup normally.
- Repeat the scan test.
Expected outcome: The device starts normally and readings become consistent.
If the device freezes, fails startup, shows errors, or continues giving erratic readings, remove it from service.
Check for Calibration, Self-Test, or Service Due Indicators
Look for device messages that suggest service is required.
Action:
- Review the display for calibration prompts, startup errors, self-test failures, or service warnings.
- Document any message exactly as displayed.
Expected outcome: No service-related warning is present.
If the unit displays a calibration, self-test, or service failure message, remove it from service and send for bench evaluation or vendor service.
If the Problem Persists
If proper technique, patient factors, probe condition, power status, settings, and comparison testing have been checked, common external causes have been ruled out.
The device should be:
- Removed from service
- Labeled Out of Service
- Sent for repair, probe evaluation, calibration verification, or bench evaluation
Do not keep returning the scanner to clinical use if inaccurate readings are repeatable. Knowing when to stop is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Do not troubleshoot questionable bladder volume readings while clinical staff are actively relying on the device for a time-sensitive patient decision. Move the patient assessment to another bladder scanner, catheterization, or approved backup clinical method first so therapy continuity and patient care are protected, then evaluate the scanner once patient care is protected.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Clinical staff reported that the Verathon BladderScan BVI 9400 was giving inconsistent bladder volume readings during repeated scans."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Probe face and cable were inspected, battery charge was verified, and repeated scans remained inconsistent compared with a known-good bladder scanner."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Device was removed from service, labeled Out of Service, and sent for bench evaluation and probe/calibration assessment."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm behavior, including any startup, self-test, calibration, or service messages
- Accessories swapped, including another probe, charger, charging base, or comparison bladder scanner if available
- Power behavior, including battery level, charging status, shutdowns, freezing, or low-power behavior
- Environmental factors, including whether the issue occurred on one patient or multiple patients, patient anatomy, dressings, movement, or gel contact
- Indicator lights, scan quality indicators, targeting indicators, or display messages observed during testing
- Final device status, including whether the scanner was returned to service or removed from service and labeled Out of Service
Final Thought
Inaccurate bladder scanner readings should be handled carefully because they can directly affect patient care decisions. Start with patient safety, technique, probe contact, settings, and power before assuming a device failure. If readings remain inconsistent after logical external checks, remove the scanner from service and document the work clearly.
That is successful troubleshooting.