Preventive maintenance (PM) exams are performed on medical devices to ensure safety and proper operation of the equipment. While I was volunteering in the Clinical Engineering Department at UPMC East, I completed PM exams on multiple medical devices. One device that I found to be very interesting were sequential compression devices (SCDs).

Sequential Compression Devices (SCDs)

• SCDs are medical devices that are used on patients who have difficulty walking, are in surgery, or in recovery. Sleeves connect to the hoses of the SCDs. The sleeves inflate and deflate with air to simulate walking, which improves blood flow and prevents blood clots.

PM Procedure for an SCD

1.) Obtain an SCD and ensure there is nothing plugged into the back ports (Channel A and Channel B).

2.) Obtain a digital pressure meter with a hose and a plastic pressure syringe.

3.) Connect the hose to Channel A on the SCD.

4.) On the device, press “B” and turn the device on simultaneously. This is how you enter Test Access Mode. Use the arrow to select Test Mode 4 (Pressure Transducer Calibration Verification). Press “B” to begin the test.

5.) The SCD will start the calibration by displaying “0 mmHg.” If the pressure value is out of range, the displayed value will be shown in red with either a “<“ or “>” symbol. If the pressure is within the range, the displayed value will be shown in green.

6.) Press “B” to move to the next pressure value. You will have to verify pressure values at 18 mmHg, 45 mmHg, and 130 mmHg.

Common Problems and Repairs for an SCD

• Pressure values are not calibrated correctly. Re-calibrate the pressure values by entering Test Access Mode 3.
• The handle and/or the ends of the hoses are broken or cracked. Just replace them!

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering at UPMC East was an incredible learning experience! I was exposed to so many different medical devices that I had not worked on in class: SCD pumps, patient controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps, end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) pumps, infusion pumps, and PC Units (PCUs). Working on new equipment helped increase my technical skills, which will help me so much in the future. I even learned more about medical equipment, and how the devices operate. Volunteering has given me a head start on my career as a biomedical technician, and I'm so happy I decided to volunteer.