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What This Guide Helps With
Low oxygen purity alarms caused by airflow restriction, filter issues, environmental factors, or compressor performance problems.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Ensure Patient Safety First
- If the concentrator is actively supplying oxygen, immediately switch the patient to a backup oxygen source.
- Expected: Patient continues receiving appropriate oxygen therapy
- Why it matters: Low purity oxygen can result in inadequate oxygen delivery and patient harm
Verify the Reported Alarm
- Power on the unit and observe the alarm behavior.
- Check:
- Low oxygen purity alarm present
- Audible and visual alarm indicators
- When the alarm occurs (startup vs continuous use)
- Expected: Alarm is confirmed and reproducible
- Why it matters: Confirms true purity issue vs transient startup condition
Allow for Warm-Up Time (Common and Overlooked)
- Let the concentrator run for 5–10 minutes.
- Expected: Oxygen purity stabilizes and alarm clears
- Why it matters: Many concentrators trigger temporary purity alarms during startup before reaching operating levels
Check Air Intake Filters (Most Common Cause)
- Inspect external and internal accessible filters:
- Remove and check for dust, lint, or blockage
- Clean or replace per facility protocol
- Expected: Clean filters allow proper airflow
- Why it matters: Restricted airflow reduces oxygen concentration efficiency
Inspect Air Intake Area and Placement
- Ensure the unit has proper ventilation:
- At least several inches of clearance around intake vents
- Not placed against walls, curtains, or equipment
- No obstruction to airflow
- Expected: Unrestricted air intake
- Why it matters: Poor airflow reduces oxygen separation efficiency
Check Oxygen Output Path
- Inspect tubing and delivery accessories:
- Ensure tubing is not kinked or occluded
- Remove humidifier bottle (if present) and retest
- Check for leaks or loose connections
- Expected: Smooth, unrestricted oxygen flow
- Why it matters: Back pressure or leaks can affect purity readings
Verify Flow Rate Settings
- Check the flow control knob or setting:
- Ensure flow is within device-rated range
- Avoid setting at maximum unless required
- Expected: Proper flow within operational limits
- Why it matters: Excessive flow demand can reduce oxygen purity
Assess Environmental Conditions
- Check room conditions:
- High humidity or extreme temperatures
- Poor air quality or contaminants
- Expected: Normal indoor operating conditions
- Why it matters: Environmental factors impact concentrator efficiency
Listen for Compressor Operation
- Power the unit and listen:
- Normal steady compressor sound
- No abnormal noise, knocking, or silence
- Expected: Compressor runs consistently
- Why it matters: Weak or failing compressor reduces oxygen production capability
Reset and Retest the Unit
- Power cycle the concentrator and restart.
- Expected: Alarm clears if issue was temporary
- Why it matters: Clears minor faults and reinitializes system operation
If the Problem Persists
If all external causes have been ruled out and the low oxygen purity alarm remains:
- Remove the device from service
- Label as Out of Service
- Send for repair or bench evaluation
Likely internal causes include sieve bed degradation, oxygen sensor failure, or compressor inefficiency. These require internal service.
Clinical Use Tip
Never troubleshoot oxygen purity alarms while the device is connected to a patient. Always transition to a verified oxygen source before testing.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Unit alarming low oxygen purity during patient use."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Air intake filter heavily clogged, restricting airflow."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Cleaned/replaced filter, verified oxygen output, and confirmed alarm cleared."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Alarm behavior (startup vs continuous)
- Filters inspected/cleaned/replaced
- Unit placement and airflow clearance verified
- Tubing and humidifier checked
- Flow rate setting at time of issue
- Compressor sound normal or abnormal
- Final device status
Final Thought
Low oxygen purity alarms are most often caused by airflow or environmental issues rather than immediate internal failure. A structured, external-first approach ensures patient safety while preventing unnecessary repairs. Recognizing when to escalate is just as important as resolving the issue.
That is successful troubleshooting.