ZOLL R Series

Asset Type

Defibrillator

Manufacturer

ZOLL

Model

R Series

What This Guide Helps With

This guide helps troubleshoot TEST FAILED errors on the ZOLL R Series Defibrillator during readiness testing, preventive maintenance checks, daily checks, or 30J self-test failures. A failed test may indicate the defibrillator is not ready for safe clinical use and should not be relied on for emergency therapy until the failure is resolved.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Ensure Patient Safety First

• Remove the defibrillator from patient use if TEST FAILED is displayed.
• Confirm the unit is not needed for an active patient emergency.
• Replace it with a known-good defibrillator immediately.
• Do not leave a failed defibrillator staged for emergency use.
• Do not troubleshoot the failed unit while it is connected to an active patient.

Verify the Reported Error and Behavior

• Confirm the exact displayed error is TEST FAILED.
• Power on the ZOLL R Series and observe startup behavior.
• Determine whether the failure appears during startup, daily readiness testing, shift check, PM testing, or a 30J defibrillator test.
• Review the printer strip or test record if available.
• Note whether the failure appears related to defib charge/discharge, pacer test, ECG test, battery test, printer test, pads, paddles, or general readiness testing.

Check AC Power and Battery Condition

• Connect the unit to a known-good AC outlet.
• Confirm the AC power indicator behaves normally.
• Verify the battery is installed correctly.
• Swap in a known-good charged battery if available.
• Power cycle the unit and repeat the readiness or self-test.
• If the test passes after a battery or power change, document the failed battery or power issue and complete a full readiness check before returning the unit to service.

Check Therapy Cable, Pads, Paddles, or Test Load

• Inspect the multifunction therapy cable for damage, bent pins, contamination, loose connectors, or strain relief damage.
• Confirm the therapy cable is fully seated.
• If paddles are used, inspect paddle contact surfaces, cable condition, and storage wells.
• If pads, a test plug, or a test load are used, confirm the correct test setup is in place.
• Repeat the test using a known-good therapy cable, paddles, pads, or test load if available.
• If the failure follows an accessory, remove that accessory from service.

Confirm the Correct Test Procedure

• Confirm staff or Clinical Engineering performed the readiness test according to local procedure.
• Make sure the unit is in the correct mode for the self-test or PM test.
• Confirm required accessories are connected before starting the test.
• Check that pads, paddles, or test connectors are not expired, damaged, or incorrectly installed.
• Repeat the test only under safe, controlled test conditions.

Inspect for Physical Damage or Contamination

• Inspect the defibrillator housing, display, knobs, buttons, therapy connector, ECG connector, printer door, and battery bay.
• Check for cracks, dried fluids, corrosion, loose parts, missing labels, or damaged connectors.
• Look for signs of impact, fluid intrusion, overheating, or contamination.
• Do not continue testing if there is smoke, burning odor, heat, or visible internal contamination.

Run a Controlled Readiness Check

• Use known-good AC power.
• Use a known-good battery.
• Use a known-good therapy cable, paddles, pads, or test load.
• Run the readiness check, self-test, or 30J test again.
• Review the test result and printed report if available.
• If the unit passes, complete the required facility readiness process before returning it to use.

Determine Whether the Issue Is Accessory-Related or Device-Related

• If the failure follows a therapy cable, paddles, battery, or test accessory, remove that accessory from service.
• If TEST FAILED remains with known-good accessories and power, suspect the R Series defibrillator itself.
• Check for related messages such as charge failure, discharge failure, service required, battery fault, pacer fault, or readiness failure.
• Do not guess at internal parts during floor troubleshooting.

If the Problem Persists

If TEST FAILED remains after checking AC power, battery condition, therapy cable, paddles, pads, test load, setup, and physical condition, external causes have been ruled out. Treat the failure as a likely internal defibrillator readiness fault.

The device should be removed from service, labeled Out of Service, replaced with a known-good defibrillator, and sent for bench evaluation, service, or vendor repair.

Persistent failure may involve the defib charge/discharge circuit, high-voltage system, internal test circuitry, control electronics, or another device-level fault. Do not keep repeating charge/discharge tests on a failed unit without a controlled bench process.

Clinical Use Tip

Never troubleshoot a failed defibrillator on an active patient. Move the patient to a backup device first. A ZOLL R Series with an unresolved TEST FAILED condition should not be relied on for emergency response.

Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)

CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution

Complaint

What was reported by the clinical staff.

Example:
"ZOLL R Series defibrillator reported TEST FAILED during readiness or PM testing and was removed from the clinical area."

Cause

What was observed during troubleshooting.

Example:
"Confirmed TEST FAILED during controlled testing. AC power, battery, therapy cable, paddles, pads, and test setup were checked. Failure persisted with known-good external accessories, indicating likely internal defibrillator readiness or high-voltage self-test fault."

Resolution

What action was taken.

Example:
"Removed defibrillator from service, labeled Out of Service, replaced with known-good unit, and sent for bench evaluation or vendor repair. Final device status: not returned to patient use."

Helpful Details to Include (If Known)

• Alarm behavior
• Accessories swapped
• Power behavior
• Environmental factors
• Indicator lights
• Final device status

Final Thought

A TEST FAILED message on a ZOLL R Series should be treated as a real readiness concern until proven otherwise. Start with patient safety, verify the exact failure, check power and external therapy accessories first, then isolate whether the fault follows an accessory or remains with the defibrillator. If the failure persists after common external causes are ruled out, remove the unit from service and escalate appropriately. Clear CCR documentation protects patients, staff, and the repair process.

That is successful troubleshooting.