6 Alarms
128
Testing Alarms
When you switch the fetal monitor on, a self test is started. You should hear a single tone. This
indicates that the audible alarm indicators are functioning correctly. For further testing of individual
measurement alarms, perform the measurement on yourself (for example SpO
2
or NBP) or use a
simulator. Adjust alarm limits and check that appropriate alarm behavior is observed.
To test the functioning of visible and audible alarms, do the following:
1 Enable the alarm (Alarm Mode needs to be set to All, see the Configuration Guide).
2 Set the alarm limits.
3 Measure or simulate the parameter that is out of range, or signal loss.
4 Verify that the visible and audible alarms are working.
As an example, to test the FHR alarms:
1 Connect the US transducer to a fetal sensor socket.
2 Enable the FHR alarming (see “Turning Alarms On or Off” on page 197).
Set the high alarm limit and delay to 150 bpm and 60 seconds respectively, and the low alarm limit and
delay to 110 bpm and 60 seconds respectively (see “Changing Alarm Limits” on page 197).
1 Generate a fetal heart rate of approximately 180 bpm (3 beats per second) for more than one
minute.
2 Verify the functioning of the visible and audible alarms.
Alarm Behavior at Power On
If the monitor is switched off for longer than one minute and then switched on again, or after a loss of
power lasting longer than one minute, the monitor can be configured to restore either the alarm
settings from the monitor's
User Defaults, or the most recently used alarm settings. When a patient is
discharged, the
User Defaults of the monitor are always restored independent of the setting. After any
of these situations, ensure that the alarm settings are appropriate for your patient. If power is lost for
less than one minute, the alarm settings prior to the power loss are restored.
•If
AlarmsOffAtStart is enabled in Configuration Mode alarms will be initially paused or off the next
time the monitor is switched on, depending on a set of related configuration settings, see the
Configuration Guide.
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