Intermittent Error 044
Q: I have a IE33 with intermittent error 044. Tech mentioned it also said something about cooling fan. I checked all fans and they appear to be free of debris and spinning correctly. Does anyone know what the error code mean?
A: Years ago, I had a similar problem. The unit would give the error code and then shut down. I found that the fan and temperature regulator (contains an op-amp) had failed, I replaced the board and problem solved. To access, tilt back monitor and near front and down is this board.
A: There are eight fans on the system – if it is a UMB style system or higher. I would look at all of them. Two for the acquisition card cage, two in the wheel wells, two for the video cards and two on the processors.
A: If you can open the Log Browser, the ErrorLog often helps identify which fan or associated cable is causing the error.
Vent Mode Malfunction
Q: I have a 7100 that will not ventilate when switching from bag to vent mode. I have checked the microswitch on the lever and the GUI does indicate which mode it’s in. I can hear the vent engine actuating, but I get no movement from the bellows and no movement of air across the flow sensors. Thus, I get no waveform on the GUI. I have done all leak tests in service mode and in normal operation mode, with no leaks. I have done all calibrations and diagnostic checks in service mode with no problems. The s/w is 1.3. Any help and/or insight would be much appreciated.
A: Please check pneumatic connections and settings for drive gas. If drive gas is absent due to leak or some other problem the machine will not ventilate.
A: I don’t know if your machine has an aux CGO port, but if it does make sure it’s closed.
A: Remove the drive gas check valve; it gets stuck some times. Reseat it.
A: Exchange the ABS with working machine. Do the spanning cal and pressure limit SES tests. Check 25 PSI on drive gas reg. Check/exchange the bellow assembly and canister. If all pass, start troubleshooting the electronics control board.
CBET or Not?
Q: I have been a biomed tech for roughly seven years now at various facilities. I am considering sitting for my CBET, but feel like I have not received the needed material to sit for the exam. Unfortunately, all of the facilities where I have been employed have disregarded providing any vendor specialized training or any continuing education training for the biomed department (which in my case has been a team of less than five in each location). My questions are:
1. Is there a benefit to obtaining the CBET? My current supervisor, who has been in the industry for 30 years, says that it’s a waste of time.
2. What are some of the ways I can get current training on the material without going broke in the process or going to a university? It seems most self study guides are about five years out of date and still cost a pretty penny.
A: At AAMI, we believe there are significant benefits to certification. While it varies by employer, many facilities consider certification when it comes to raises and promotions. A certification helps you to stand out from the crowd, gives your resume more power – and could lead to more and better career opportunities. In terms of study resources, we encourage you to review the ACI Candidate Handbook, which includes a content outline for the exam. AAMI also offers the BMET Study Guide. Various state and local associations offer study groups. We recommend reaching out to colleagues on our online HTM Discussion Group to find out what resources they have found to be helpful.
A: Most employers cover the cost of a certification exam and renewals. In cases where a manager doesn’t have the budget to do that, there is tuition assistance available from the employer which can be used toward the cost. I think CBET is great if you want to work as a BMET for a broader sense. The CCE through ACCE and HTCC makes more sense if you want to be a clinical engineer. Overall, I think certification has a lot of value and is professionally recognized in all organizations through the initial hiring as well as advancement to different roles.
A: The answer to the questions about CBET varies. Some organizations want the CBET and others do not care. The study guide is sold by AAMI and I believe its less than $100. Also, our school (CIT) offers a practice exam so the student can gauge how they will score on the real exam. Being a business owner in a medical service industry, I am more concerned about the technician’s ability to perform the work. I do not think that having or not having the CBET makes a difference. My organization has a competency form in which the new hire has 60 days to become familiar with the hospital’s medical devices and test equipment. In today’s industry, I am more concerned if the technician has the ability to communicate effectively with the customer. There have been many instances where the technician repairs the equipment but forgets to communicate effectively thus creating more problems. I have hired many technicians without a biomed degree and had them go to school as they worked for me. This gave me the ability to train them to the customized needs of the hospital. My only criteria was that they have great people skills, the ability to learn and a clean background check. There are other companies that do require a BMET certification before they will hire them. I think the CBET is overrated personally, but if any of my employees decide to get their certification, I usually give them a dollar an hour raise just for taking the initiative.
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