Philips PageWriter TC70

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Manual Reference

Philips PageWriter TC70 Cardiograph Service Manual, publication number 453564106431, Edition 1, October 2008, Software Revision A.01.00 and higher.

Manufacturer Recommendation / AEM Status

Manufacturer-listed PM items

The manufacturer-listed care and maintenance items include:

Clean cardiograph and Patient Interface Module.
Clean patient data cable and lead wires.
Clean reusable electrodes.
Clean print head when print quality is uneven.
Replace printer paper when the red stripe appears.
Maintain and charge batteries.
Replace batteries when fully charged batteries lose significant power after only a few ECGs.
Calibrate batteries when battery status information is inaccurate.
Calibrate touch screen when touch performance decreases.
Clean touch screen.
Perform cardiograph overall sensitivity test.
Inspect patient data cable, lead wires, AC power cord, AC connector, reusable electrodes, printer components, touch screen, and exterior condition.
Run Power On test and review for errors.
Run functional tests as applicable: printer, touch screen, PIM, keyboard, leadwire open/short tests, and ECG simulation.
Perform safety testing after certain repair events, especially internal repairs.

Manufacturer-listed frequencies

From the maintenance frequency table:

Cardiograph and PIM cleaning: Weekly.
Patient data cable and lead wire cleaning: Weekly.
Reusable electrode cleaning: After each patient use.
Print head cleaning: When necessary due to uneven print quality.
Battery calibration: When necessary due to inaccurate battery status information.
Touch screen calibration: When necessary due to decreased touch screen performance.
Touch screen cleaning: Weekly.
Cardiograph overall sensitivity test: Yearly.

Manufacturer-listed part numbers

AC power adapter / external power supply: 453564094411
Lithium-ion replacement battery: 989803160981
External battery charger / calibrator: 989803162021
Patient data cable, 2.0 m / 6.56 ft: 989803158481
Printer paper, Z-fold A size: 989803106261
Printer paper, Z-fold A4 size: 989803106271
Printer paper, anti-fade A size: 989803106281
Printer paper, anti-fade A4 size: 989803106291
USB memory stick: 989803161021

Post-repair safety inspection requirements

The manual separates preventive maintenance from service events. It states that installation and preventive maintenance are not considered service events because the cardiograph is designed to be installed and maintained by the user.

Post-repair testing depends on the repair type:

External repair not involving patient module: Visual Inspection, Power On test, and functional tests specific to repaired components.
External repair involving PIM, patient lead set, or patient data cable: Visual Inspection, Power On test, ECG simulation test, and functional tests specific to repaired components.
Internal repair where the case is opened: Visual Inspection, Power On test, ECG simulation, Safety Tests S2 and S3, plus functional tests specific to repaired components.
Software upgrade via USB: Power On test.

AEM note

If a facility performs this PM at a different interval or changes the listed activities, that should be handled under the facility’s approved AEM program, risk assessment, maintenance history, and applicable regulatory requirements.

What This PM Procedure Covers

Visual inspection
Cleaning status check
Battery condition check
Printer and paper inspection
Touch screen function check
PIM / leadwire inspection
Yearly sensitivity test
Electrical safety documentation when facility policy or repair history requires it
CMMS documentation

Required Tools and Equipment

Soft cloth
Mild soap and water, 70% isopropyl alcohol, approved bleach dilution, or approved quaternary ammonium cleaner
Foam swab and 90% alcohol for print head cleaning
Philips-approved ECG printer paper, as needed
Calibrated ECG simulator capable of producing a 1 mV, 2 Hz square wave on Lead I or II
Electrical safety analyzer, if required by facility policy or post-repair testing
Philips-approved replacement batteries, if needed
Philips-approved patient data cable / lead set parts, if needed

Step-by-Step PM Procedure

1. Identify the Device

Action: Confirm manufacturer, model, asset ID, serial number, location, and accessories.

Expected outcome: Device identity matches the CMMS record.

Why it matters: TC70 units may have different PIM, network, barcode, cart, or power accessory configurations.

2. Remove From Active Patient Use

Action: Confirm the cardiograph is not connected to a patient. Power down or place in Standby before inspection and cleaning.

Expected outcome: PM is performed only when the unit is not being used for patient care.

3. Visual Inspection

Action: Inspect the cardiograph exterior and accessories for:

Worn or damaged AC power cord
Loose or missing hardware
Mechanical damage
Evidence of liquid spill
Worn printer drive gear
Worn printer roller
Corroded or damaged reusable electrodes, if present
Damaged patient leads
Dirt or paper residue on thermal print head
Frayed or damaged wiring
Visible touch screen damage
Damaged PIM or patient data cable
Damaged cart, basket, drawer, or mounting hardware if installed

Expected outcome: No apparent wear, damage, corrosion, missing hardware, or unsafe condition.

Remove from service if: AC cord damage, exposed conductors, cracked patient cable insulation, damaged PIM, liquid intrusion, unstable cart mounting, damaged touch screen, or failed visual inspection is found.

4. Cleaning Check

Action: Clean external cardiograph surfaces and PIM using a soft cloth dampened with an approved cleaning solution. Avoid wetting lead wire connectors and patient data cable connectors.

Expected outcome: External surfaces are clean, dry, and free of residue.

Manual-supported cleaners include:

Mild soap and water
70% isopropyl alcohol
Chlorine bleach solution as specified by Philips
Quaternary ammonium compound solution as specified by Philips

Do not use: strong solvents, abrasive cleaners, acetone, iodine-based cleaners, phenol-based cleaners, ethylene oxide sterilization, autoclave, ultrasonic cleaning, or immersion.

5. Patient Data Cable and Lead Wire Inspection / Cleaning

Action: Inspect patient data cable and lead wires for cracked insulation, exposed conductors, damaged connectors, loose lead adapters, or contamination. Clean with approved solution using a damp cloth.

Expected outcome: Cable and lead wires are intact, clean, dry, and connectors are not wet.

Remove from service if: cable integrity is questionable or exposed conductors are visible.

6. Reusable Electrode Check, If Present

Action: If reusable electrodes are stored with the unit, inspect for corrosion, residue, damage, and cleanliness.

Expected outcome: Reusable electrodes are clean, disinfected, dry, and usable.

Manual-listed frequency: reusable electrodes are cleaned after each patient use.

Note: Philips recommends disposable electrodes for patient applications. Welsh bulb electrodes have special warnings and should not be treated like routine disposable ECG electrodes.

7. Printer Paper and Paper Path Check

Action: Open the paper drawer. Confirm Philips-approved paper is loaded correctly with the paper sensor hole properly positioned. Replace paper if the red stripe is present or paper is low.

Expected outcome: Paper is loaded correctly, drawer closes fully, and paper advances properly.

Remove from service if: paper tray is damaged, paper will not advance, printer door/paper jam errors persist, or print quality cannot be corrected.

8. Print Head Cleaning, If Needed

Action: If print quality is uneven, open the paper drawer and lightly wipe the print head with a foam swab dipped in 90% alcohol. Allow the print head to dry before use.

Expected outcome: Print quality improves and no residue remains.

Manual-listed frequency: when necessary due to uneven print quality.

9. Battery Inspection and Status Check

Action: Confirm both batteries are installed. Check battery status from the status bar / battery status window. Confirm the unit charges on AC power and the AC power indicator illuminates.

Expected outcome: Both batteries are present, charging/charged status is reasonable, and battery condition supports mobile use.

Manufacturer-listed battery maintenance points:

Use only Philips lithium-ion batteries, part number 989803160981.
Two batteries are required to power the cardiograph.
Charge batteries for five hours before battery-only use after installation or replacement.
Keep batteries charged when not in use.
If stored more than 60 days, fully charge batteries, remove AC power, remove batteries, and store batteries in a cool dry location.
Fully charged batteries stored outside the cardiograph need recharging every 60 days.
Consider replacement if fully charged batteries lose significant power after only a few ECGs.

10. Battery Calibration, If Needed

Action: If displayed battery status is inaccurate or not useful, perform battery calibration per the manual.

Expected outcome: Battery status information becomes more accurate.

Manual-listed frequency: when necessary due to inaccurate battery status information.

PM note: The manual states the battery calibration procedure may take up to 8 hours with the cardiograph out of active use. Philips also lists an external battery charger/calibrator, part number 989803162021.

11. Touch Screen Check

Action: Verify touch screen response across normal use areas. Clean the touch screen with a damp soft cloth using water or isopropyl alcohol. Allow it to dry.

Expected outcome: Touch screen responds accurately without repeated presses.

Manual-listed frequency:

Cleaning: weekly
Calibration: when touch screen performance decreases

If needed: Run touch screen calibration using Ctrl + Alt + C or the Service Utilities procedure.

12. Power On Test

Action: Restart the cardiograph.

Expected outcome: Software identification screen appears, audible beep occurs, and the Main screen loads without errors.

Self-test areas listed by the manual include:

Software CRC
CompactFlash memory
PIM status
USB detect

Remove from service if: device does not power on, does not complete startup, shows persistent errors, or is unresponsive.

13. Functional Check

Action: Perform basic operational checks:

Keyboard responds
ID and ECG controls respond
Touch screen responds
Printer feeds and prints correctly
Paper drawer closes fully
PIM is detected
No PIM red X icon remains after normal reset time
Leads connect securely
No persistent lead-off condition with known-good leads/simulator

Expected outcome: Controls, display, printer, PIM, and lead system operate normally.

14. Cardiograph Overall Sensitivity Test

Action: Perform the manufacturer-listed yearly sensitivity test using a calibrated ECG simulator.

Procedure summary:

Set ECG simulator to 2 Hz square wave and 1 mV amplitude.
Confirm Simulated Mode is not enabled on the cardiograph.
Select Resting 12-Lead using the factory default Standard 12-lead Exam Profile.
Set Artifact to OFF.
Set Limb Leads to 10 mm/mV.
Set Speed to 25 mm/sec.
Acquire and print ECG.
Verify Lead I or II on the printed report.

Expected outcome: The 1 mV square wave measures 10 mm with a ±5% margin for error.

Pass range: approximately 9.5 mm to 10.5 mm.

If failed: Repeat the test. If it fails again, test the simulator on another cardiograph. If the simulator passes on another cardiograph, remove this cardiograph from service and escalate.

Electrical Safety Testing if applicable

Manufacturer-listed electrical safety context

The manual identifies the TC70 as an electrical Class II device. For this device, protection against electric shock does not rely on a protective earth conductor.

The manual does not list routine annual PM electrical safety testing as a manufacturer-listed PM frequency. It does list safety tests for post-service verification, especially after internal repairs.

Ground resistance

Protective earth / ground resistance testing is not manufacturer-listed as a routine PM item for this Class II cardiograph.

Document as:

Ground resistance measured in ohms, expected ≤ 0.5 Ω or facility/NFPA 99 criteria if different:

Result = N/A - Class II device / no manufacturer-listed protective earth resistance PM test

Pass / Fail = N/A

If facility policy requires a ground continuity-style check on the cart, power cord, or system configuration, document the facility limit used.

Leakage current

Use facility policy and the applicable electrical safety analyzer procedure unless the repair event requires the manual’s S2/S3 safety test blocks.

Manufacturer-listed post-repair safety test limits include:

S2 Equipment leakage: maximum leakage current < 1000 µA
S3 Leads leakage current: the manual lists CF applied-part leakage testing. The matrix shows normal condition and mains-on-applied-part values, and the safety test section also references CF separate/together limits. Use the facility’s approved safety analyzer setup and document the exact limit used.

Default PM documentation:

Touch/chassis leakage measured in microamps:

Facility limit used =

Result =

Pass / Fail =

Applied part / patient lead leakage, if performed: