Systems and methods for storing data on medical sensors

A system, comprising:

• an information collection system, comprising:
• a monitor configured to be coupled to multiple sensors over time to monitor one or more physiological characteristics of one or more patients;
• a first sensor comprising a sensor memory;
• and
• a database,
• wherein the monitor is configured to receive sensor identifying information from the first sensor,
• wherein the information collection system is configured to store in the database unique sensor identifying information and information related to plural uses of the same sensor in order to determine possible improper or unauthorized remanufacturing of the first sensor and wherein the system is configured to check to see if a record of remanufacturing of said sensor is present in the database.

A method, comprising:

• monitoring one or more physiological characteristics of a patient using a first sensor coupled to a monitor;
• transferring information related to one or more sensors that were coupled to the monitor prior to the first sensor from the monitor to a sensor memory of the first sensor automatically in response to the first sensor being coupled to the monitor;
• determining, using a processor of the monitor, a serial number of the first sensor;
• and
• using a sensor processing system generating an alert indicative of improper or unauthorized remanufacturing of the first sensor.

A method, comprising:

• monitoring one or more physiological characteristics of a patient using a first sensor coupled to a monitor;
• transferring information related to one or more sensors that were coupled to the monitor prior to the first sensor from the monitor to a sensor memory of the first sensor automatically in response to the first sensor being coupled to the monitor;
• and
• storing via an information collection system unique sensor identifying information and information related to plural uses of the same sensor in a database.