Transcutaneous Monitoring

Sensor Problem 12

On the Sentec Transcutaneous Monitoring System, Sensor Problem 12 is commonly caused by a defective membrane or dried electrolyte.

You can watch the tutorial video or follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to troubleshoot this error message.

Step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting

Step 1: Check the sensor’s center ring

✔If the center ring is brown and intact, continue to the next step to perform a clean and soak on the sensor.

✔If the center ring has a white or silver luster, the sensor may be defective. Contact the Sentec Service Team at for further support.

Step 2: Clean and soak the sensor

✔Disconnect the sensor from the sensor adapter cable.

✔Remove the current membrane from the sensor using the bottom of the membrane changer. If the membrane does not come off easily, you can first soak the sensor in clean water with the membrane on.

✔Once the membrane is removed, immerse the sensor in clean room temperature water for up to 3 minutes.

✔After soaking, gently rinse the sensor with clean water.

✔Dry the grooves around the sensor with clean, lint-free gauze, making sure there is no gel residue remaining. To dry the sensor surface, gently tap with gauze. (Do not wipe or rub the sensor surface, as this can cause damage.)

TIP! Ensure the sensor surface is not damaged by sharp-edged objects or fingernails during this process. Damage to the sensor can cause incorrect measurements.

For more information on performing this process, visit our clean and soak tutorial.

Step 3: Replace the sensor membrane

✔Turn the sensor face upwards and carefully insert it into the Sentec Membrane Changer, being careful not to touch the exposed sensor surface and ensuring the sensor is aligned correctly. Then, proceed with the membrane change as usual.

For more information on using the Sentec Membrane Changer, visit our step-by-step tutorial video.

✔After the membrane change is complete, ensure there are no air bubbles and/or wrinkles between the sensor and membrane and verify that the membrane is correctly situated on the sensor.

✔Reconnect the sensor and confirm the membrane change by opening the docking station door and selecting ‘Membrane Change Done.’

Step 4: Run a sensitivity test

✔Immediately start a sensitivity test once the membrane change is confirmed. This is required to clear the error message.

✔To run a sensitivity test, select the ‘Menu’ button (top left) and choose ‘Measurement Settings’. Then, select ‘PCO2 Settings’ and choose ‘Sensitivity Test.’

✔Upon the monitor’s prompt, open the docking station door. The status bar will show ‘Sensitivity Test.” After 2 minutes, you’ll receive a prompt and an audible beep signaling you to close the door, which will initiate the sensitivity test. The phrase, “Leak test in progress,” will appear on the screen. Expect the test to conclude within approximately 15 minutes.

✔If the screen displays ‘Ready for use’ after the test, the Sensor Problem 12 error has been successfully resolved.

TIP! In order to clear a Sensor Problem 12 error, the sensitivity test must be completed successfully. If the monitor continues to display the error message during the Leak test portion of the sensitivity test, check the docking station gasket. Ensure the gasket is installed with the bevel side facing outwards, and also that the gasket is free of any debris.

For additional support on resolving a gas leak in the docking station, visit our troubleshooting page here.

Step 5: If Sensor Problem 12 does not resolve, reach out to Sentec

✔Should your monitor continue displaying the ‘Sensor Problem 12’ error message after completing these steps, please reach out to the Sentec Service Team for additional troubleshooting support.

For more troubleshooting information, see our Service Manual.

Product Support Webinars

For more product support resources, browse our collection of on-demand webinars led by our team of product and clinical specialists. Gain valuable insights on proactive maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimizing the use of your Sentec Transcutaneous Monitoring System.

Still have questions?

Complete this form to for additional product support. After you’ve submitted your query, the appropriate Sentec associate will reach out with more information.

Transcutaneous Monitoring

Sensor Problem 12

Step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting

Step 1: Check the sensor’s center ring

Step 2: Clean and soak the sensor

Step 3: Replace the sensor membrane

Step 4: Run a sensitivity test

Step 5: If Sensor Problem 12 does not resolve, reach out to Sentec

Product Support Webinars

On-Demand Sentec Product Support: Proactive Maintenance

Sentec Product Support Webinar: Correlation and Relative Heating Power (RHP)

On-Demand Sentec Product Support: Troubleshooting and Improving Sensor Performance

Still have questions?

Care with Confidence

North American Inquiries:

United Kingdom Inquiries:

Switzerland Inquiries:

Education

Quality

Distributor Resources

Australian Inquiries:

Austrian Inquiries:

German Inquiries:

Italian Inquiries:

Japan Inquiries:

Turkey:

Product Cybersecurity Inquiries:

All Other Inquiries:

Careers

Other Products

About