Common faults and solutions of ECG machines

ECG machines are a common medical device in hospitals, used to record the graphical presentation of cardiac electrical activity. However, like other medical equipment, ECG machines may also have various faults that affect their normal use. The following will introduce some common faults and solutions of ECG machines.

1. Power failure:
Fault phenomenon: The ECG machine cannot start or suddenly stops working.
Solution:
Check whether the power line is in good contact and plugged into the socket.
Check whether the power switch is turned on.
If the above methods are ineffective, it may be a power supply problem and the power supply device needs to be replaced or repaired.

2. Paper feeding failure:
Fault phenomenon: ECG paper cannot be fed normally, or paper jam occurs during feeding.
Solution:
Check whether the paper is installed correctly and whether it is damaged.
Clean the paper feeding system to ensure smooth paper feeding.
Check the paper feeding drive device to see if there is any looseness or damage.

Fault phenomenon: straight line
Solution:
Press the lead closure key; After pressing the lead closure key, the screen displays 'lead closed' or '[0]' and a straight line appears. Just press 'INST' or 'RESET' again until 'lead closed' and '[0]' disappear.
Lead detachment and straight line; The screen displays 'lead detachment' or the lead flashes. Generally, it depends on whether a certain lead, a few leads or all leads are straight. First, check whether the corresponding lead electrode is detached and whether each contact point is good. Secondly, try to replace a lead wire. If it still doesn't work, it is a problem with the machine itself.
Data out of bounds and straight line; The screen displays 'data out of bounds' or 'OVR'. First, check whether each electrode is placed securely and whether the patient is restless. Secondly, try to replace a lead wire. If it still doesn't work, it is a problem with the motherboard.
No heart rate display, all leads are straight; please turn on the machine and use a multimeter to measure whether the +5V and ±12V of the amplified part are normal (the voltage value measured by the multimeter should be around +5V and ±12.3V). If it is not normal, the DC-DC conversion circuit components of the mainboard are damaged.

Fault phenomenon: unclear printing
Solution:
Check whether the two copper shafts on the paper bin cover are worn too much (except for the twelve-channel machine)
A bad print head will cause unclear printing, try replacing the same model print head.
Deformation of the print head bracket and spring will cause unclear printing.
The print head has been used for a long time, and the print head is dirty or has dirt; wipe the print head with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
The thermal printing paper used is expired or of poor quality, humid, etc., please replace the printing paper.
Unclear printing caused by program disorder.
For unclear printing on or below the ECG-1200, generally add a gasket between the print head and the print head bracket.
Fault phenomenon: paper jam, paper failure
Solution:
The printing paper is irregular, the friction between the paper and the paper bin is too large, try to replace a roll of printing paper. Remove impurities from each gear. Open the machine to see if the motor cable is loose and whether the motor is rusted and cannot rotate. The motor drive circuit problem causes paper jam and paper failure. 3. Sensor failure:
Fault phenomenon: The ECG machine cannot collect ECG signals, or the signal is unstable. Solution:
Check whether the sensor is in good contact with the patient's skin and whether it is installed correctly. Check whether the sensor line is well connected and whether there is any breakage or damage. Check whether the sensor electrode is clean and whether it needs to be replaced. 4. Software problem:
Fault phenomenon: The ECG machine operation interface is abnormal and the data processing is wrong. Solution:
Try to restart the ECG machine to see if the problem can be solved. Check whether the latest software update is available and perform the update operation. If the software problem is more serious, you may need to contact the manufacturer or technical support personnel for further processing. 5. Connection problem:
Fault phenomenon: The ECG machine cannot connect properly with the electrodes, lead wires and other equipment. Solution:
Check whether the connection line is plugged in correctly, whether it is loose or damaged. Check whether the connector is clean, whether there is oxidation or corrosion. Check whether the power supply of the connected device is normal and whether there is any fault. 6. Electrode failure:
Fault phenomenon: The ECG signal is not clear, or there is interference. Solution:
Clean the electrode to ensure that the electrode is in good contact with the patient's skin. Check whether the electrode is aging and needs to be replaced. If disposable electrodes are used, check whether the electrode is expired and whether it needs to be replaced. 7. Data storage problem:
Fault phenomenon: ECG data cannot be saved normally or is lost. Solution:
Check whether the storage device is inserted correctly and whether it is damaged. Check whether the storage space is sufficient and whether it is full. Try to save the data to other devices or media, such as USB flash drives or network storage. 8. Mechanical failure:
Fault phenomenon: Mechanical parts such as the printing mechanism or button switches of the ECG machine are faulty. Solution:
Check if the mechanical parts are loose or damaged.
If necessary, repair or replace the mechanical parts.

9: The machine does not turn on
Solution:
Plug in the AC power, turn the disconnect switch to the closed state, and see if the indicator light flashes or stays on. If the indicator light is not on, it means that the AC power has not entered the machine. Check whether the AC power switch is not turned on or the power fuse is broken. You can turn on the AC power switch or replace the fuse; if the indicator light is on, you can turn on the machine, use tweezers to short-circuit the 1st and 2nd pins of the socket where the transparent cable is plugged and remove them immediately (you can do it repeatedly several times) to see if the machine can be turned on and off. If it can be turned on and off, it is determined that the panel is broken and the panel can be replaced. If it cannot be turned on and off, some components of the startup circuit of the switch are broken. It is recommended to return to the factory for repair.

10. External interference:
Fault phenomenon: The ECG signal is subject to external electromagnetic interference, affecting the signal quality.
Solution:
Try to stay away from devices that may cause interference, such as mobile phones, microwave ovens, etc.
Use shielded lines and filters to reduce the impact of external interference on ECG signals.

In summary, common faults of ECG machines include power failure, paper feed failure, sensor failure, software problem, connection problem, electrode failure, data storage problem, mechanical failure and external interference. Timely discovery and resolution of these faults can ensure the normal operation of the ECG machine and improve the accuracy and effectiveness of diagnosis. If you encounter a more serious or unsolvable fault, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer or professional technicians in time for processing.