The belmont rapid infuser, ri-2 has been returned to belmont for investigation; evaluation of the unit is in process.Fluid contamination can cause problems with the membrane switch/cpu board interface, however without results of the investigation, a root cause of the reported unresponsive touch screen cannot be established.The operator's manual cautions the user: "immediately wipe any spills from the device." the service and preventive maintenance schedule outlined in the manual instructs the user to check the unit seals every six months.The operator's manual also offers possible conditions and recommended operator actions in the event that the keypad is unresponsive or does not accept input.The manufacturing records for this serial number were reviewed and no related anomalies were identified.No patient injury was reported.A final report will be submitted upon completion of the investigation.
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Belmont medical technologies received the following report (report number: (b)(4)) from the medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency ((b)(6)) in the uk: "touch screen became unresponsive during an operation, the rapid infuser was delivering fluid to the patient, however when the clinical team tried to increase the flow rate there was no response to the key presses.".
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The rapid infuser, ri-2 was returned to belmont for investigation.The reported failure was not easily replicated, however after extensive testing by continuously pressing various buttons on the screen for 1-2 hours, it was confirmed that the touch screen sometimes became unresponsive.Although a definitive root cause could not be established, belmont upgraded the system to the current revision.The unit subsequently passed all test specifications and inspection requirements.As no root cause was identified, a health hazard analysis was conducted to assess the level of risk associated with an unresponsive touch screen.It was determined that the frequency of occurrence is low and the benefits of using the ri-2 device far outweigh the risk of this type of malfunction.The most serious risk of an unresponsive touch screen is a potential delay in treatment, however this malfunction would be immediately apparent to the user.The instructions for use state:"routinely check patient and system parameters, on screen.Respond to and correct system alarms." the troubleshooting guide in the operator's manual provides possible conditions and recommended operator actions in the event that the keypad is unresponsive or does not accept input.The manufacturing records for this serial number were reviewed and no related anomalies were identified.It was reported that while the touch screen was not responsive, the ri-2 continued delivering fluid to the patient.No patient injury was reported.Belmont will continue to monitor and trend similar reports of this nature.
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