Testing The Alarms; Testing The Power Alarms; Testing The Pressure Alarms - ResMed Astral Series Clinical Manual

Testing the alarms

WARNING
Do not perform alarm tests while the patient is connected to the ventilator.
This section describes functional tests to confirm correct technical operation of Astral alarms. The
efficacy of therapy alarm limits should be assessed clinically.
It is recommended that alarms be tested individually. To do so, turn off all alarms except the alarm that is
going to be tested. If the ventilator fails any of the alarm tests, see Troubleshooting.
It is not necessary to test all alarms for every alarm condition. There is no specific sequence in which the
alarms must be tested.
Many of the following tests require use of a passive test lung.
CAUTION
When the alarm tests are completed ensure the Astral device is restored to its original state.

Testing the power alarms

Alarm
Using internal battery
(External power disconnected)
Using internal battery
(On device start up)
Low internal battery
Critically low battery
Battery inoperable
Total power failure

Testing the pressure alarms

All pressure alarm tests are conducted using a test lung, single limb circuit and in (A)CV mode.
Alarm
High Pressure
Obstruction
Test procedure
1. Ensure the Astral device is connected to an external power source.
2. Power on the Astral device.
3. Disconnect the power cord.
1. Ensure the Astral device is not connected to an external power source.
2. Power on the Astral device.
1. Ensure the Astral device is powered on and is operating on the internal
battery.
2. With a test lung attached continue ventilation until the battery discharges
and the alarms activate.
1. Remove the internal battery.
2. Connect the Astral device to an external power source.
3. Power on the Astral device.
1. Remove the internal battery.
2. Connect the Astral device to an external power supply.
3. Power on the Astral device. (This will activate the Battery inoperable alarm).
4. Wait five minutes and remove the power cord from the external power
source.
Test procedure
1. Start ventilation.
2. Record the peak inspiratory pressure (PIP).
3. Set the Pressure alarm limit to less than PIP.
1. Start ventilation.
2. Block the exhalation port (eg, when using a proximal valve, pinch the control
tube during inspiration).
Testing the alarms
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