Mortara Eli 250 Dim Screen & Charging Issue Repair Case Study

A Florida facility requested service for a Mortara Eli 250 EKG. The diagnosed issues were a dim display and the unit's inability to hold a charge, impacting its portability and usability for patient care. A PBES technician was dispatched to investigate the cause of the power and display-related faults.

Technician investigation

Upon arrival, the technician confirmed the two primary symptoms: the screen was difficult to read due to low brightness, and the device did not seem to retain battery power. The initial diagnostic step was to perform an Electrical Safety Inspection (ESI) to ensure the device was safe to operate and to check for electrical faults. The technician also attempted to adjust the screen's brightness through available settings, a standard first step for display issues.

Root cause

The root cause of the dim screen and charging issue was not documented in this service report. The investigation focused on initial safety checks and basic adjustments.

Resolution

The technician's actions focused on assessment rather than a completed repair. An Electrical Safety Inspection was conducted, with key measurements recorded: Ground resistance of 0.124 ohms and various leakage current tests (Off 42 µA, On 42 µA, Lead to Ground 3 µA, Iso 8 µA). The technician also attempted to brighten the screen, though the outcome of this action was not noted. No parts were replaced during this visit.

Verification

• Electrical Safety Inspection

Verification for any line-powered medical device must include an Electrical Safety Inspection (ESI) to protect both patients and operators from electrical shock hazards. Documenting these values confirms the device's electrical integrity.

Technician insight

In cases of simultaneous power and display issues on a portable device like the Eli 250, an experienced technician often suspects a fault related to the power supply board or the battery itself. A dim screen can be a symptom of insufficient power, and a failure to hold a charge points directly to the battery or charging circuit. Performing an ESI first is a critical safety-first step before further internal diagnostics.

FAQ

What does an ESI on an EKG machine check for?

An Electrical Safety Inspection (ESI) checks for proper grounding, measures leakage currents, and ensures the device is electrically safe for both patient and operator use, which is critical for patient-connected devices like an EKG.

Can a bad battery cause a dim screen on a Mortara Eli 250?

Yes, a failing battery that cannot provide sufficient voltage and current can cause various symptoms, including a dim display, as the screen's backlight may not receive enough power to operate at full brightness.

What were the numbers like 'Ground .124' in the service report?

These are measurements from the Electrical Safety Inspection. 'Ground .124' refers to a ground resistance of 0.124 ohms. The other numbers ('Off 42', 'On 42') are leakage current measurements in microamps (µA) under different conditions, used to verify the device's electrical safety.

Were any parts replaced in this Mortara EKG repair?

No replacement parts were documented for this service call. The actions taken were diagnostic, including an Electrical Safety Inspection and an attempt to adjust the screen.