Multi-parameter patient monitors are important clinical equipment, and their failures may affect patient safety. The following are common failures, causes and solutions:
(1)
Failures: The indicator light is off, and the patient monitor cannot be powered on.
Causes: Power module failure: internal breakage of the power cord; Poor contact at the interface/power cable connection; Fuse blown; Internal component failure.
Solutions: Inspect the power cord and switch for damage. Check whether the monitor’s fuse is blown. Use testing equipment to verify: Switching power supply functionality; internal power supply status; Input/output voltage levels of circuits.
(2)
Failures: The ECG waveform is not accurate.
Causes: Whether the monitor is properly grounded; Whether the patient’s skin is clean; The electrode placement is correct? Issues with electrode quality.
Solutions: Check the grounding connection; maintain clean patient skin (avoid using pure alcohol for cleaning as it may increase impedance); verify electrode quality and positioning; in the operating room, set the filter to ‘Surgery Mode’, etc.
(3)
Failures: The monitor shows “Leads-off”, and no ECG waveform displayed.
Causes: Poor contact with the patient; Electrode quality problems; Leads cables failure; ECG module failures, etc.
Solutions: Check whether the leads cable, electrodes, and ECG modules are faulty; check the DC power input and output, etc.
(4)
Failures: No ECG waveform displayed, but don’t show “Leads-off”
Solutions: The multi-function card or ECG module has quality problems and needs to be replaced.
(5)
Failures: The blood pressure cuff is no inflation.
Causes: Abnormal pressing of the pressure measuring key
Solutions: Factory reset, etc.
(6)
Failures: The SpO2 probe off; SpO2 value is not accurate
Causes: Problems with probe connection/detector/emitter; Probe aging or damage; Something wrong on the patient’s fingers or nails, etc.
Solutions: If the emitter flashes, it means there is a problem with the connection or the detector; if the emitter does not flash, it means there is a problem with the connection or emitter; replace the probe; clean the part of the patient that touches the probe, etc.
(7)
Failures: Power indicator light is on, but the white screen displayed.
Causes: The connection between the display board and the power board/the main board and the display board/the LCD screen and the display board is in poor contact; The LCD screen is damaged; The power board output voltage is abnormal, etc.
Solutions: Check if the motherboard is abnormal; Test the output voltage and input voltage of the power board; Check the connection between the main board and the display board/the LCD screen and the display board, etc.
(8)
Failures: Unable to charge.
Causes: Poor contact of the power cable; Fuse failure; Poor internal wiring; Damage to the power board, etc.
Solutions: Replace the power cable; replace the fuse, etc.
The above lists some common fault and their corresponding solutions of patient monitors. It is recommended that if the problem is still not solved after eliminating simple faults, you should contact the equipment department professionals in time to ensure the normal operation of medical equipment and patient safety.
Shanxi Jerry Medical Instrument Co., Ltd., as a leading medical equipment manufacturer in China, has been focusing on the research and development and production of patient monitors since its establishment in 1998. We sincerely look forward to cooperating with you. If you have any product consultation or business needs, please feel free to contact us.
