Troubleshooting common ECG/EKG common hardware and software problems

Many times you might have to battle with your ECG/EKG machines giving you problems and not knowing where to start with the troubleshooting. Below are some of the common problems your ECG/EKG machine can give and the possible way you can troubleshoot them.

Problem 1

ECG/EKG machine not switching on

Possible Cause

1. Power supply not connected or low battery.
2. Cable defect or no proper connection.
3. AC Adapter defect

Solution

1. Connect the power supply properly.
2. Check the different cables of the machine and ensure they are in good condition or properly connected to the ports and connectors.
3. Replace the Adapter.

Problem 2

Blank display, but the machine works perfectly

Possible Cause

1. Cable defect or no proper connection.
2. LCD defect

Solution

1. Check the cables between the main board and display to ensure they are in good condition or properly connected.
2. Replace the LCD or refer to a biomedical engineer.

Problem 3

Touch Screen not responding(For touch screen machine)

Possible Cause

1. Cable defect or bad connection.
2. Touch screen defect.

Solution

1. Check the cables between the main board and display to ensure they are in good condition or properly connected.
2. Replace the Touch Screen or refer to a biomedical engineer.

Problem 4

No Printout

Possible Cause

1. Cable defects or bad connections.
2. Recorder Failure
3. Main Board Failure

Solution

1. Check the cables between the recorder and motherboard to ensure they are in good condition or properly connected.
2. Replace the recorder or refer to a biomedical engineer.
3. Replace the main board or refer to a biomedical engineer.

Problem 5

Unstable/Intermittent Signal ECG trace

Possible Cause

1. Cable defects or bad connections.
2. Interference
3. Skin Impedance

Solution

1. Check all cables to ensure they are in good condition or properly connected.
2. Remove any possible static charge, or metal (bed rail) before touching the patient.
3. make sure to rub the skin of the patient.

Problem 6

The low amplitude ECG trace

Possible Cause

1. Machine Setting
2. Interference
3. Cable defect or bad connections

Solution

1. Adjust monitor settings to increase the amplitude.
2. Move ECG away from equipment like an infusion pump.
3. Check all cable connections to ensure they are in good condition and properly connected.

Problem 7

Lead(s) off Error message

Possible Cause

Leads not set correctly

Solution

Ensure that the number of leads is set correctly on the monitor.