DM DOC 040 Rev 1.0
Troubleshooting Pulse CO-Oximeter
The following charts describe what to do when encountering common problems:
P
Problem
Possible Cause(s)
Recommendation
SpO2 NUMBER
FLASHES
Saturation alarm limit exceeded.
Assess/address patient condition Re-set alarm limits
if indicated.
SENSOR OFF
MESSAGE
Sensor not connected to patient properly.
Sensor is damaged.
Properly reapply the sensor on the patient and
reconnect the sensor to the unit or patient cable. If
the sensor is damaged, replace the sensor.
NO SENSOR MESSAGE
Sensor is disconnected from patient
cable.
Sensor connected upside down into
patient cable.
Check to see if the sensor LED is flashing.
Disconnect and reconnect the sensor. If the LED
fails to operate, replace the sensor.
LOW PERFUSION
Improper sensor type.
Poorly perfused site.
Sensor is too tight.
A disorder such as hypothermia,
vasoconstriction, hypovolemia, peripheral
vascular disease or anemia.
Sensor is damaged.
Verify proper sensor and sensor size for the patient.
Check and see if blood flow to the site is restricted.
Be sure that the sensor is not on too tight. Set unit
to MAX sensitivity. Warm the patient or sensor site.
Move sensor to better perfused site.
LOW SIGNAL QUALITY
Improper sensor type or application.
Excessive motion relative to perfusion.
Sensor is damaged or not functioning.
Check and see if blood flow to the site is restricted.
Check the placement of the sensor. Re-apply sensor
or move to a different site.
SpO2 VALUES DO NOT
CORRELATE WITH
CLINICAL
ASSESSMENT OR
ABGs.
Low perfusion or sensor displacement.
Check for error messages. See section 5
System
Messages
for recommended corrections. Check
placement of sensor or if it is too tight. Reapply
sensor or select a new site.
Set to MAX sensitivity and confirm that the sensor is
securely on the patient. Refer to sensor Directions
For Use.
PULSE SEARCH
MESSAGE
Unit is searching for pulse.
If unit fails to display within 30 seconds,disconnect
and reconnect. If pulse search continues, move
sensor to better perfused site.
UNEXPECTEDLY HIGH
SpO2, SpCO OR SpMet
READING
Low SIQ or Perfusion Index (PI) values.
Reposition sensor to site with strong SIQ and PI.
Average readings taken from three different sites to
improve accuracy. Submit blood sample for
laboratory CO-Oximetry test for comparison.
Inappropriate sensor size or sensor
measurement location.
Verify proper sensor for patient size. Verify proper
sensor site.
UNEXPECTEDLY HIGH
SpCO READING
Possible elevated methemoglobin level*.
Submit blood sample for laboratory CO-Oximetry
test.
DIFFICULTY OR NO
SpO2/SPCO/SPMET
READING
Low battery/ not plugged into AC power
supply.
Connect to AC power
Interference from line-frequency induced
noise.
Verify/set 50/60hz menu setting.
Inappropriate sensor or sensor size.
Verify proper sensor and sensor size for the patient.
Excessive ambient or strobing light.
Shield the sensor from excessive or strobing light.
As with all CO-Oximeters, elevated methemoglobin levels may cause falsely elevated carboxyhemoglobin values.
© 2013 DanMedical Ltd
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