---
title: "Troubleshooting - alarms, warnings and site"
canonical: "https://clinicaldecisions.refined.site/space/Palliative/18516800/Troubleshooting+-+alarms%2C+warnings+and+site"
format: markdown
---
|  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Problem** | **Possible Cause** | **Action** |
| The syringe will not start | The correct instructions not followed | Follow manufacturers instructions for use |
| The syringe driver is faulty | Remove and send for service |
| Battery absent / flat | Replace battery |
| The infusion is fast (running more than an hour ahead of expected time) | Wrong rate set | Start again |
| Wrong syringe brand | Correct error and start again |
| Syringe driver is faulty | Remove from use, send for service |
| The infusion is slow (running more than an hour behind of expected time) | Wrong rate set | Correct error |
| Site problem (inflamed, lumpy, painful) | Resite |
| Wrong syringe brand or size, or inserted incorrectly, pump stopped and restarted, battery restarted, battery empty, crystallisation / kinking of tubing, | Correct error   
Check event log   
Check battery   
Correct error |
| Faulty syringe driver | Remove and send for service |
| The syringe driver has stopped before emptying the syringe | Alarm state has occurred (audible alarm activated) | As per pump alarm table |
| Battery exhausted | Replace battery |

**Alerts** – an alarm will sound intermittently, the infusion will continue, a message appears on the display screen indicating the cause. This message then alternates with the normal “Infusion running” screen. 

**Alarms** – an alarm will sound continuously, the infusion will stop, the LED turns to red, and a message appears on display screen indicating the cause.

 

![syringe-alarms-table.png](media://a83fdd56-6b04-4b6c-bfe6-4be2d74fcb6e)

|  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Alarm** | **Possible cause** | **Action** |
| Occlusion or syringe empty | Patient access device blocked, kinked, clamped.  
Tissuing/site inflammation, clouding/precipitation of solution. Actuator has reached minimum travel position | Remove occlusion and restart |
| Syringe displaced | Syringe has been removed or displaced | Check and confirm syringe seated correctly and resume |
| Pump unattended | Pump left or no key presses detected for two minutes | Start infusion, continue programming or switch off |
| Near end (alert) | 15 minutes from end of infusion | Prepare to change syringe or switch off |
| End programme | Infusion complete | Pump will either default to KVO, await nurse, or it will alarm and switch off pump |
| Low Battery (alert) | Battery almost depleted (30 minutes left) | Prepare for battery change |
| End battery | Battery depleted | Change battery |

 

### Related

[NIKI T34 syringe driver](https://clinicaldecisions.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/Palliative/pages/18483916)


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Reviewed September 2024. [Send feedback](mailto:Palliativecare.team@waitematadhb.govt.nz) to page coordinator