Patient monitor systems

GE Healthcare CIC: troubleshooting and error codes

The ServiceForge knowledge base holds 72 documented symptoms for the GE Healthcare CIC, with 153 ranked causes, 169 diagnostic checks with test points and expected values, and 1 error codes. Each symptom below shows its causes and the first check; the rest is one connection away. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Symptoms

Erroneous noninvasive blood pressure measurement patient safety

Monitor unable to detect adequate pulsations or detecting excessive movement, producing inaccurate NBP values

Ranked causes

1. Incorrect cuff size (common)
2. Residual air in cuff from previous measurement (occasional)
3. Cuff fit too tight or too loose (common)
4. Cuff and heart at different levels (occasional)
5. Artery marker misaligned with artery (occasional)
6. Excessive patient movement during measurement (common)
7. Cuff or tubing leak (occasional)
8. Patient has weak pulse (rare)
9. Calibration drift (occasional)

First check

Confirm NBP reading using auscultatory method

Test point: Patient arm
Expected: Auscultatory reading matches or closely approximates monitor reading

4 more checks with pass and fail actions, 9 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Inaccurate cardiac output values patient safety

Cardiac output readings are not accurate or reliable. Multiple factors can contribute including injection technique, patient respiration, catheter placement, baseline temperature stability, and IV solution infusion.

Ranked causes

1. Improper solution temperature management (common)
2. Incorrect injection technique (common)
3. Inadequate interval between injections (common)
4. Inadequate temperature differential (occasional)
5. Respiratory variation interference (common)
6. Defective Swan-Ganz catheter (occasional)
7. Patient arrhythmias (occasional)
8. Rapid IV solution infusion interference (occasional)
9. Injectate temperature cable malfunction (occasional)

First check

Verify injectate solution storage conditions

Test point: Solution bag
Expected: Not exposed to heat sources or other equipment

7 more checks with pass and fail actions, 10 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Inaccurate or unreliable noninvasive blood pressure measurements patient safety

Erroneous NBP readings obtained during patient monitoring due to improper cuff selection or application

Ranked causes

1. Single-hose cuff used with dual-hose tubing (occasional)
2. Cuff placed on limb with compromised circulation (occasional)
3. Incorrect cuff size selected for patient limb circumference (common)
4. Cuff not positioned snugly or artery marking misaligned (common)
5. Cuff placed too far from elbow or tubing kinked (occasional)
6. External pressure applied against cuff during measurement (occasional)
7. Arm placement incorrect relative to heart level (occasional)
8. Measurement performed on dominant arm or with clothing obstruction (occasional)

First check

Verify cuff size matches patient limb circumference

Test point: Cuff label
Expected: Limb circumference marked on cuff

10 more checks with pass and fail actions, 9 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Inaccurate SpO2 reading patient safety

Pulse oximeter displays SpO2 value that does not match blood gas analyzer or clinical expectation; reading may be artificially high or low depending on patient condition or interference

Ranked causes

1. Dysfunctional hemoglobins (carboxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin) (common)
2. Nail polish or artificial nails (common)
3. Dyes or pigmentation-altering substances (occasional)
4. Ambient light interference (common)
5. Electrosurgical unit interference (occasional)
6. Motion artifact (common)
7. Sensor placement on extremity with blood pressure cuff or catheter (occasional)
8. Patient conditions: anemia, sickle cell crisis, smoke inhalation, jaundice (occasional)

6 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Displayed invasive pressure values differ from expected patient safety

Arterial or pressure readings shown on monitor do not match clinical expectation or are inconsistent with patient condition

Ranked causes

1. Patient lying on tubing or tubing kinked (common)
2. Air bubbles in tubing (common)
3. Excess tubing length (occasional)
4. Transducer not at correct anatomical level (common)
5. Pressure reference not zeroed (common)
6. IABP mode not enabled on monitor when patient on IABP (occasional)

First check

Inspect tubing for kinks or compression

Test point: Patient tubing path
Expected: No kinks; tubing free of patient contact

5 more checks with pass and fail actions, 6 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Low light or no light message displayed patient safety

Monitor shows low light or no light indicator during SvO2 monitoring

Ranked causes

1. Disconnected or loose optical module connections (common)
2. Disconnected or loose catheter connections (common)
3. Catheter tip not in optical reference block (packaged) (common)
4. Optical module malfunction (occasional)
5. Catheter position in patient improper (occasional)

First check

Verify optical module to SvO2 module connection

Test point: Connection between optical module and SvO2 module
Expected: Secure connection with no gaps

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 5 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Preinsertion calibration failure message displayed patient safety

Monitor displays calibration failure message during SvO2 module setup

Ranked causes

1. Disconnected or loose optical module connections (common)
2. Disconnected or loose catheter connections (common)
3. Catheter tip not in optical reference block (common)
4. Optical module malfunction (occasional)
5. Damaged catheter (occasional)

First check

Verify optical module to SvO2 module connection

Test point: Connection between optical module and SvO2 module
Expected: Secure connection with no gaps

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 5 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Incorrect end-tidal CO2 values displayed patient safety

ETCO2 readings are considerably lower than expected or do not match blood-gas analysis

Ranked causes

1. Leak in respiratory circuit (common)
2. Hypothermia without blood-gas correction (occasional)
3. Anesthesia gases affecting readings (occasional)
4. Clinical factors: dead-space ventilation, V/Q mismatch, low cardiac output, alveolar shunts, incomplete alveolar emptying (occasional)

First check

Inspect respiratory circuit for leaks

Test point: entire circuit
Expected: No leaks, circuit intact

4 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Monitor cannot detect stable baseline temperature patient safety

Monitor displays message indicating inability to find stable baseline temperature. Message clears when stable baseline is detected.

Ranked causes

1. Respiratory variation interference (common)
2. Inadequate injectate temperature differential (common)
3. IT cable malfunction (occasional)
4. Defective Swan-Ganz catheter (occasional)

First check

Verify patient and CO setup

Test point: Monitor settings, cables, catheter placement
Expected: All connections secure, settings correct, catheter properly positioned

4 more checks with pass and fail actions, 4 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Pacemaker activity not detected; double-counting heart rate or false bradycardia alarm patient safety

Monitor fails to detect pacemaker spikes; displays double heart rate count, alarming for low rate, or shows no pace markers on ECG

Ranked causes

1. Pacemaker detection program is turned off (common)
2. Pacemaker signal too weak for detection (occasional)
3. ECG signal too weak for monitor detection (occasional)
4. Monitor detecting atrial pacemaker artifact or non-QRS features as beats (rare)

First check

Verify pacemaker detection is enabled

Test point: Monitor settings menu
Expected: Pacemaker detection mode ON

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 5 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Anesthetic agent sample line connection error or leak patient safety

Patient sample line (PE/PVC type) is incorrect size, loose, kinked, or leaking, causing inaccurate anesthetic agent readings or gas escape

Ranked causes

1. Sample line has incorrect inner diameter (not 1.19 mm) (common)
2. Luer-Lok fitting connection is loose or not seated (common)
3. Sample line is kinked, crimped, or obstructed (occasional)

First check

Verify sample line inner diameter

Test point: PE/PVC patient sample line
Expected: Inner diameter 1.19 mm (0.047 inches)

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 3 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

BIS sensor placement and connection patient safety

Proper installation of three-electrode or four-electrode BIS forehead sensors for continuous monitoring

Ranked causes

1. Three-electrode sensor improper placement (common)
2. Four-electrode sensor improper placement (common)
3. Sensor cable disconnection (occasional)

First check

Verify three-electrode sensor placement

Test point: Circle 1, circle 3 position
Expected: Circle 1 at center of forehead 1.5 inches (4 cm) above nose; circle 3 on temple

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 3 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Monitor alarming for arterial disconnect patient safety

Disconnect alarm activates when mean arterial pressure drops or waveform is lost during zeroing

Ranked causes

1. Catheter dislodged from vessel (rare)
2. Mean pressure below threshold during normal zeroing procedure (common)
3. Alarm threshold set too high or waveform loss during measurement (occasional)

First check

Assess patient condition and catheter site

Test point: Catheter insertion site
Expected: Catheter in place; no visible bleeding or dislodgement

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 3 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Monitor displaying mean arterial pressure (MAP) only measurement patient safety

Systolic and diastolic values not displayed; MAP displayed as safety mechanism when algorithm cannot reliably determine other values

Ranked causes

1. Small measured oscillations in cuff with excessive noise (occasional)
2. Calculated systolic/diastolic values too close to MAP value (occasional)
3. Low blood flow state (rare)

First check

Verify cuff size and placement

Test point: Cuff dimensions and position
Expected: Proper size per diagram on cuff; positioned with artery marker aligned to brachial artery

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 3 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

SpO2 waveform shows excessive artifact or noise patient safety

SpO2 waveform display contains noise spikes and artifact; signal quality degraded by motion or poor placement

Ranked causes

1. Photodetector not flush with tissue due to poor sensor placement (common)
2. Motion artifact from patient or sensor movement (common)
3. Inadequate or insecure sensor attachment (common)

First check

Examine SpO2 waveform for artifact and motion spikes

Test point: SpO2 waveform display on monitor
Expected: Smooth waveform corresponding to arterial pulse; minimal noise spikes

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 3 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Unclear or degraded ECG signal quality patient safety

ECG waveform appears noisy, artifact-prone, or signal strength is insufficient for reliable beat detection across leads I, II, III, or V

Ranked causes

1. Electrode gel dried out or adhesive aged after 48+ hours of wear (common)
2. Leadwire tugging or rotation about electrode snap causing ECG artifact (occasional)
3. Electrosurgical unit (ESU) interference present in operating environment (occasional)

First check

Visually inspect electrodes for gel dryness and adhesive condition

Test point: All electrode contact surfaces
Expected: Gel moist and adhesive firmly adhered

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 3 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Airway adapter connection error or incomplete assembly patient safety

Patient sample line Luer-Lok fitting is not connected to airway adapter in upward position, or adapter is loose, causing gas leakage or sampling errors

Ranked causes

1. Sample line Luer-Lok fitting not in upward position at airway adapter (common)
2. Airway adapter connection is loose or disconnected (occasional)

First check

Verify sample line Luer-Lok fitting orientation at airway adapter

Test point: Airway adapter Luer-Lok connector and sample line fitting position
Expected: Sample line Luer-Lok fitting positioned upward on airway adapter; connection is secure

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: Room air

SAM module periodically calibrates to room air; process takes about 8 seconds. During calibration, host monitor displays progress message, last measured values remain displayed, CO2 waveform drops to baseline.

Ranked causes

1. Calibration procedure - standard operation (common)
2. Warm-up period after insertion into Rac (common)

First check

Observe calibration procedure

Test point: Host monitor display
Expected: Air calibration in progress message displayed; last measured parameter values visible; CO2 waveform at baseline

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Cardiac output value higher than expected patient safety

Calculated cardiac output is higher than clinically expected for the patient condition.

Ranked causes

1. Excessive injectate volume (common)
2. Injectate temperature too low (common)

First check

Verify injectate volume used

Test point: Syringe volume
Expected: Reduced from previous measurement

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Cardiac output value lower than expected patient safety

Calculated cardiac output is lower than clinically expected for the patient condition.

Ranked causes

1. Insufficient injectate volume (common)
2. Injectate temperature too high (common)

First check

Verify injectate volume used

Test point: Syringe volume
Expected: Standard volume for patient size and measurement protocol

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Displayed PA wedge measurement differs from expected patient safety

PA wedge pressure value shown on monitor does not match clinical expectation

Ranked causes

1. Measurement obtained without minimum three respiratory cycles or at wrong respiratory phase (common)
2. PA wedge cursor not positioned at end-expiratory value (common)

First check

Obtain minimum three respiratory cycles of wedge data

Test point: Respiratory waveform and PA pressure waveform
Expected: At least 3 complete respiratory cycles visible; stable values

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Exhaust line back pressure causes inaccurate readings or module damage patient safety

Exhaust line is kinked, blocked, or connected to unregulated high vacuum source, causing back pressure that damages internal module components or corrupts measurements

Ranked causes

1. Exhaust line is kinked or blocked (common)
2. Exhaust line connected to unregulated high vacuum source (occasional)

First check

Inspect exhaust line for kinks or blockages

Test point: Entire length of exhaust line from EXHAUST outlet to scavenging system
Expected: Exhaust line is straight and patent with no visible kinks, crimps, or blockages

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Flow sensor performance degradation patient safety

Sensor performance degrades or contamination occurs when flow sensor is reused or module is powered off for prolonged periods

Ranked causes

1. Reused disposable flow sensor (common)
2. Module powered off with sensor in circuit (occasional)

First check

Verify flow sensor packaging or history

Test point: Flow sensor label or medical record
Expected: Single-use sensor, not previously used

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Inaccurate 12-lead analysis with 10-leadwire cable patient safety

12-lead ECG waveforms or measurements do not match expected values or previous patient studies

Ranked causes

1. Incorrect or misplaced V2–V6 leadwire block in 10-leadwire cable (common)
2. Electrode placement does not match prior configuration for serial comparison (occasional)

First check

Visually inspect V2–V6 leadwire block color code and seating in cable

Test point: 10-leadwire cable block connector and color marking
Expected: Brown-coded V2–V6 block firmly seated in correct side of cable

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Lead analysis fails or displays limited options with 3-leadwire cable

Monitor software forces single-lead analysis, restricts lead selection to I, II, III only, or disables multi-lead analysis and optional ECG features

Ranked causes

1. 3-leadwire electrode configuration connected instead of 5-leadwire or 10-leadwire (common)
2. 3-leadwire cable with fixed reference connected to incompatible Tram module (occasional)

First check

Identify leadwire cable type connected to monitor

Test point: Patient cable connector and visual wire count/labeling
Expected: 5-leadwire (RA, LA, RL, LL, V) or 10-leadwire if multi-lead analysis required

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Module warm-up delay after storage

When SAM module is stored outside Rac and then reinserted, a warm-up period is required before operation, duration depends on module temperature.

Ranked causes

1. Module temperature above 60°F at reinsertion (common)
2. Module temperature below 60°F at reinsertion (occasional)

First check

Check module temperature

Test point: SAM module
Expected: >60 degrees F (16 degrees C)

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Monitor alarming for asystole, bradycardia, pause, or inaccurate heart rate with visible QRS patient safety

Monitor triggers false alarms for asystole, bradycardia, or pause despite visible QRS complexes on waveform; or displays inaccurate heart rate

Ranked causes

1. Insufficient QRS amplitude in analyzed leads (common)
2. Analyzed leads not optimal for detection (occasional)

First check

Measure QRS amplitude in all analyzed leads

Test point: All ECG leads (I, II, III, V)
Expected: Minimum 0.5 mV amplitude in one direction; 1.0 mV recommended, minimum

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 5 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Monitor calculates cardiac output without injection patient safety

Monitor displays cardiac output calculation even though solution was not injected. Monitor senses temperature change in patient blood consistent with an injection.

Ranked causes

1. Respiratory variation mimicking injection (common)
2. Rapid IV solution infusion (common)

First check

Verify patient and CO setup

Test point: Monitor settings and cable connections
Expected: All settings correct, cables secure

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Monitor incorrectly calling VTach (ventricular tachycardia) patient safety

Monitor displays VTach alarm when patient is not in VTach; false positive arrhythmia detection

Ranked causes

1. Wider QRS complex or artifact in analyzed leads (common)
2. V lead polarity changes causing misinterpretation (occasional)

First check

Assess QRS width across all analyzed leads

Test point: ECG leads I, II, III, V
Expected: Normal QRS width; no abnormally wide complexes

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 4 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

SpO2 reading unstable or varying rapidly patient safety

Displayed SpO2 values fluctuate significantly; stability indicator suggests questionable signal validity

Ranked causes

1. Signal artifact mimicking valid reading; adverse conditions unnoticed (occasional)
2. Hemodynamic disturbances affecting pulse waveform (occasional)

First check

Assess stability of displayed SpO2 values over time

Test point: SpO2 parameter display
Expected: Reading stable within physiological variation; tracks expected arterial saturation

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

SpO2 signal strength weak or unstable patient safety

SpO2 parameter window shows fewer than 3 asterisks indicating weak signal; waveform amplitude low

Ranked causes

1. Poor sensor attachment or positioning (common)
2. Non-ideal environmental conditions (occasional)

First check

Observe signal strength indicator asterisks in SpO2 window

Test point: SpO2 parameter window on monitor display
Expected: Display shows 3 asterisks (strongest signal)

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Unstable or slow TC sensor reading response patient safety

Sensor takes longer than expected to stabilize or reading continues to drift after expected stabilization time

Ranked causes

1. Sensor attachment not correct (occasional)
2. Measurement site not appropriate (occasional)

First check

Verify sensor locking and fixation ring seal

Test point: sensor position, fixation ring rim contact
Expected: Sensor locked with 1/4 turn; rim fully sealed

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

X displayed in SvO2 parameter window patient safety

SvO2 parameter window displays X symbol instead of numerical value

Ranked causes

1. Optical module just connected with catheter in package (common)
2. Optical module just connected with catheter in patient (common)

First check

Determine if catheter is in package or in patient

Test point: Visual inspection of catheter location
Expected: Catheter visibly in package or in patient

2 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Aqua-Knot water trap directional flow error patient safety

Water trap is inserted backward or at incorrect orientation so arrow does not point toward module, causing gas flow obstruction or condensation trapping

Ranked causes

1. Aqua-Knot water trap inserted with arrow pointing away from module (common)

First check

Verify Aqua-Knot water trap arrow orientation

Test point: Arrow label on Aqua-Knot water trap
Expected: Arrow points toward SAM module (direction of gas flow into module)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Arrhy Suspend message displayed patient safety

Continuous alarm displays 'Arrhy Suspend' message; arrhythmia analysis suspended and alarms do not trigger

Ranked causes

1. ECG signal quality poor; 20 of last 30 seconds below threshold (common)

First check

Verify ECG lead placement is correct

Test point: All ECG electrode positions
Expected: Leads placed per protocol; no loose or displaced electrodes

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 3 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Arterial, noninvasive, and auscultated blood pressure readings differ patient safety

Monitor displays different systolic/diastolic values across three measurement methods (direct arterial, oscillometric, auscultation)

Ranked causes

1. Different measurement methods inherently use different technologies and measurement sites (common)

First check

Verify measurement locations

Test point: Arterial line site vs NBP cuff site
Expected: Direct arterial from radial/femoral; NBP from brachial artery

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Calibration: SvO2 signal strength indicator patient safety

Monitor displays signal strength indicator (asterisks or dashes) in SvO2 parameter window and calibration history to assess reliability of saturation readings from Abbott catheter

Ranked causes

1. Inadequate light intensity from catheter (unknown)

First check

Observe signal strength indicator display

Test point: SvO2 parameter window or calibration history
Expected: Three asterisks (***) = optimum light intensity

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Capnostat sensor reading out of range patient safety

Monitor displays CO2 value outside expected range or message indicating sensor not calibrated

Ranked causes

1. Sensor not calibrated to zero cell (common)

First check

Place sensor on REF cell and verify reading

Test point: REF cell
Expected: 38 mmHg ± 2 mmHg, ± 2 mmHg

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Cardiac artifact detected as breaths patient safety

Monitor identifies cardiac artifact as respiratory breaths; incorrect inspiration and expiration markers; waveform shows artifact marked as breath

Ranked causes

1. Breath detection threshold set too low (common)

First check

Verify breath and artifact markers are correct

Test point: Display waveform and markers
Expected: Cardiac artifact and breaths correctly distinguished with separate markers

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Change primary ECG lead for improved detection

Need to optimize which ECG lead is displayed and analyzed for arrhythmia detection

Ranked causes

1. Current lead not optimal for pacemaker spike visualization (common)

First check

Display alternative ECG lead

Test point: Monitor ECG waveform display
Expected: Uniform, upright pacemaker enhancement spikes visible in ECG data

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Disconnect alarm triggers patient safety

Warning alarm sounds and 'DISCONNECTED' message displayed in values window with parameter name when mean pressure falls below threshold

Ranked causes

1. Catheter dislodged or disconnected (common)

First check

Verify mean pressure reading

Test point: ART or FEM pressure display
Expected: 25 mmHg or higher

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

ECG monitoring difficult with transcutaneous pacemaker patient safety

Large electromagnetic energy from external transcutaneous pacemaker interferes with ECG monitoring on the CIC monitor.

Ranked causes

1. Transcutaneous pacemaker energy exceeds ECG signal filtering capability (occasional)

First check

Assess ECG waveform quality with monitor

Test point: Monitor ECG display
Expected: Clear, interpretable waveform

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

False low heart rate indicator or false asystole call patient safety

Monitor displays incorrect low heart rate or asystole alarm with pacemaker patient due to electrical overshoots in certain pacemakers.

Ranked causes

1. Certain pacemaker types produce electrical overshoots (occasional)

First check

Verify pacemaker detection is activated on monitor

Test point: Pace program setting
Expected: Pacemaker detection enabled

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Heart rate double counting patient safety

Monitor counts both pacemaker spikes and QRS complexes, displaying artificially elevated heart rate.

Ranked causes

1. Suboptimal electrode placement or pacemaker detection mode (common)

First check

Assess heart rate display and trend

Test point: Monitor ECG rate meter and waveform
Expected: Heart rate matches actual paced rate without doubling

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 3 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

ICG cable improperly connected to patient

ICG cable connectors not properly attached to sensors; left/right bundles reversed; incorrect connector sequence

Ranked causes

1. Connectors attached in wrong order or reversed left/right (common)

First check

Verify left/right cable bundle orientation

Test point: ICG cable left and right bundles
Expected: Right bundle on patient's right side, left bundle on patient's left side
Tools: None

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

ICG cable not connected to module

ICG cable not plugged into module connector; incomplete setup

Ranked causes

1. Cable not inserted into module connector (common)

First check

Verify cable insertion into module connector

Test point: Module front connector and ICG cable
Expected: Cable fully inserted and latched into module connector
Tools: None

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

ICG sensor connector snap attachment incorrect

Neck or thorax connectors snapped in wrong order or not fully secured

Ranked causes

1. Connector snap sequence not followed (common)

First check

Verify neck connector sequence and engagement

Test point: Blue and purple neck connectors
Expected: Blue connector snapped above purple; both fully engaged
Tools: None

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Inaccurate flow sensor readings or anesthetic agent leakage patient safety

Faulty connections in RM-M patient circuit cause inaccurate readings and/or leakage of anesthetic gases that can contaminate room air

Ranked causes

1. Improper flow sensor connection setup (common)

First check

Inspect thin line marking on flow sensor tube

Test point: Patient circuit tube
Expected: Line positioned proximal to patient

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Incorrect ICG sensor placement

ICG sensors not positioned properly; not opposite each other or misaligned relative to anatomical landmarks

Ranked causes

1. Misplaced neck or thoracic sensors (common)

First check

Verify sensor placement geometry

Test point: Neck and thoracic sensor positions relative to patient anatomy
Expected: Neck sensors below earlobe, thoracic sensors at xiphoid line, all 180° opposite, heart icons oriented toward heart
Tools: None

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Monitor displays inflate balloon message after balloon was inflated patient safety

Monitor continues to prompt for balloon inflation even though balloon has already been inflated by clinician

Ranked causes

1. Waveform amplitude has not decreased by 30% after balloon inflation (occasional)

First check

Measure waveform amplitude change with balloon inflated

Test point: PA waveform on monitor display
Expected: Amplitude decrease of 30% or greater after inflation

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Monitor displays processing wedge message without balloon inflation patient safety

Monitor indicates it is detecting and processing a wedge condition when clinician has not inflated the balloon

Ranked causes

1. Respiratory artifact on PA waveform mimics wedge condition (occasional)

First check

Verify balloon is not inflated

Test point: Balloon volume indicator
Expected: Balloon at zero volume

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Monitor pacemaker patient without pace mode activated patient safety

Attempted ECG monitoring of pacemaker patient without enabling pacemaker detection software.

Ranked causes

1. Pace program not activated at monitor (common)

First check

Verify pace program activation status

Test point: Monitor pace detection setting display
Expected: Pacemaker detection enabled and indicated on display

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

No SpO2 data displayed after connecting interface cable and sensor patient safety

SpO2 window does not appear on monitor after connecting SpO2 interface cable and sensor; no data shown

Ranked causes

1. Hardware failure or unrecognized/defective sensor (unknown)

4 corrective actions and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

No SpO2 display on monitor after Masimo sensor site change patient safety

SpO2 window does not appear on monitor after repositioning Masimo sensor to new site

Ranked causes

1. Masimo sensor not recognized after repositioning (common)

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Pacemaker detection mode selection for optimal QRS detection patient safety

Choosing between Pace 1 and Pace 2 algorithms to minimize artifact counting while maintaining paced beat detection.

Ranked causes

1. Patient pacemaker characteristics vary; no single mode optimal for all (common)

First check

Assess paced QRS detection adequacy in Pace 2 mode

Test point: Monitor ECG display and rate meter
Expected: Paced QRS complexes recognized; rate meter shows patient pacing rate

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 2 corrective actions, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Pacemaker spikes not recognized by software patient safety

Software fails to detect or recognize pacemaker spikes on the ECG display.

Ranked causes

1. Pace mode setting not optimal for patient pacemaker type (common)

First check

Confirm pacemaker detection mode in use

Test point: Monitor pace mode setting
Expected: Pace 1 or Pace 2 mode selected

2 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

pCO2 readings lower than expected at altitude patient safety

pCO2 sensor readings appear low when device is used at high altitude locations

Ranked causes

1. Normal response to altitude-dependent barometric pressure (common)

First check

Determine local barometric pressure

Test point: Local altitude and weather station data
Expected: Barometric pressure in mmHg or kPa

1 more check with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Poor ICG signal quality at sensor

Low signal quality due to inadequate skin preparation; oily residue, dead skin cells, or abrasive particles present on sensor site

Ranked causes

1. Improper skin preparation (common)

First check

Inspect sensor site for cleanliness

Test point: Skin surface at ICG sensor placement sites
Expected: No hair, dead skin cells, oily residue, or abrasive particles visible
Tools: None

1 corrective action and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Reduction in pCO2 sensitivity patient safety

Transcutaneous carbon dioxide (pCO2) sensor shows reduced sensitivity or inaccurate readings

Ranked causes

1. Residual electrolyte solution after membraning (common)

First check

Clean sensor surface

Test point: Sensor surface
Expected: No residual electrolyte or contaminants

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Reduction in pO2 electrode sensitivity patient safety

Transcutaneous oxygen (pO2) sensor shows reduced sensitivity or inaccurate readings

Ranked causes

1. Electrode deposits or membrane contamination (common)

First check

Prepare fresh zero solution

Test point: Zero solution preparation
Expected: Fresh zero solution in clean beaker

3 more checks with pass and fail actions, 1 corrective action, and part numbers are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

More symptoms

Respiration lead fail message without ECG lead fail
Respiration monitoring on pacemaker patients interaction risk
Respiration monitoring unreliable with limb electrodes
Respiration monitoring with fixed-lead cables
Service module message displayed
Shallow breaths not detected
Signal quality concern - monitor may not alarm on invalid reading
Skin blister or burn from transcutaneous sensor
Smart BP senses artifact without flush, draw, or zero
TC sensor readings affected by anesthetic gases
Transcutaneous pO2/pCO2 sensor application procedure
Unable to detect PA wedge

12 more symptoms with ranked causes and checks are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Error codes

Code	Meaning	Trigger	Severity
`DISCONNECTED`	Catheter disconnected or dislodged from patient	Mean pressure falls below 25 mmHg when disconnect alarm feature is enabled	warning

Likely causes and actions for each code are in ServiceForge. Connect ServiceForge to your AI

Community

0 fixes logged by technicians through their AI, with outcomes, for this model.

ServiceForge knowledge base record. Field-unverified unless technicians confirmed it. A teaching summary of the record, not a service manual. Export 2026-10-14.