This article includes instructions on how to inspect the Nox T3 system to determine if there is a failure with the device. The tests described cover most of the Nox T3 functionality. 

Equipment needed

• Use an ECG signals generator on fixed signal settings to test the ECG inputs (for example TechPatientCardio from the Instruments, http://www.heinstruments.com/). It is also possible to use electrodes to test the inputs. 
• Use a 3150 oximeter with the Nonin low cost Patient Simulator (8000S) matching the 3150 to test the Bluetooth® radio. Using the same 3150 oximeter every time simplifies the process.
• Use a set of Nox RIP belts to test the RIP cables and inputs
• Use an FTC tube or cannula with blocked nasal tips to test the pressure input

Create a test-setup file

To speed up the routine test, it is good practice to create a standard setup that is always used.  Noxturnal generates a test file called Setup.INI for each study and copies it to the Nox T3’s flash drive.  To create such a file for the routine tests, follow the instructions below.

Test Setup

Device Profile

1. Start Noxturnal normally, connect any Nox T3 device to the PC and create a New Device Profile. Note, you will need to have Admin rights to do this.
   
2. Give the Device Profile a descriptive name and description
   
3. Configure device
4. Finish the Device Profile configuration

Recording type

1. Create a new Recording Type
   
2. Set up the recording and add Nonin 3150 Oximeter to the Recording Type
   
3. Press OK and close the Recording Type Wizard.

Configure Device

1. Open Noxturnal and configure the Device
   
2. Choose the Test Procedure and enter the PIN of the oximeter used in the test
   
3. Select Manually Start Recording and Unspecified duration or Start Recording At: and specify the time that the recording test should start.
   
4. Enter text into Name or ID to finish Configuration
   
5. Now the Configuration is complete
   
6. Close Noxturnal and disconnect the Nox T3

Copy the Setup.ini

1. Reconnect the Nox T3. On your PC go to Explorer and locate Nox T3 under Devices and drives. The Nox T3 appears as a Removable Disc (in this case the D: drive)
   
2. Double click on the Nox T3 drive and explore the files. Note the file Setup.ini as can be seen in the figure below.
   
3. Copy the Setup.ini file from the Nox T3 and store in a known place on your hard drive.

Routine Test Process

1. Connect the Nox T3 to a PC, explore it as a flash-drive and copy the special SETUP.INI file to it.
2. Close the device with the battery inserted, connect the ECG simulator to the ECG inputs and the belts to the device and cable, and connect the open filter to the pressure input.
3. Press the center button to activate the device and then press the right button to get to the oximeter page. The device will start making a communication with the test oximeter and display a value. The setup of the communications can take up to 30 seconds the first time the test is performed. For troubleshooting guidelines for pairing click here.
   Pass criteria: the oximeter pairing checkmark appears on the display.
   
4. Press the right button again to get the display for belts, position and sound. While observing the display figure, do the following:
   • Make a slight movement on the Nox RIP belts, one at the time, and verify that the same movement appears on the applicable trace on the display. This tests the Nox RIP belts, cable and the internal RIP functionality. If the belts or cable are broken, either a flat-line appears or an unstable saturated signal.
     
   • Speak or make a sound and observe the sound channel reacting. Watch the sound intensity figure and see if it reacts to different sound levels.
   • Tilt the device and observe the displayed position change between positions.
   • Pass criteria: the belts, speaker and tilting all show reaction.
5. Press the right button again to get to the pressure and ECG page.
   • Press the center of the filter tube few times and check if you see any activity on the pressure channel. If a spike appears when the tube is pressed, the sensor is active. A flat-line indicates a faulty channel.
     
   • Check that the ECG signals generated by the stimulator show up on the display.
   • Pass criteria: the ECG signal appears and there is a reaction on the pressure sensor when the tube is pressed.

Test Results

All the signals, cables and sensors have been fully tested to be functional. The next time a recording will be prepared on the device, the SETUP.INI will be overwritten so there is no need to delete it at the end of the study.

 

LBL-0074 Rev01