Resposable pulse oximetry sensor

A method of reusing costly circuitry of a sensor while reducing patient cross-contamination, the method comprising:

• creating a sensor through combining reusable electronic circuitry comprising an emitter and a detector, with a first disposable material such that an electrical connection is made between the reusable electronic circuitry and electronic components associated with the first disposable material;
• attaching the sensor to a measurement site;
• removing the sensor;
• separating the reusable electronic circuitry from the first disposable material;
• and
• recombining the reusable electronic circuitry with a second disposable material.

A pulse oximeter comprising:

• a sensor comprising
• a reusable portion, and
• a disposable portion including a breakable conductor electrically connected to the reusable portion, the breakable conductor configured to cause an electrical disconnect in the event of overuse, damage, or excessive reattachment of the disposable portion;
• a monitor;
• and
• a cable for connecting the sensor to the monitor.

A pulse oximeter comprising:

• a sensor comprising
• a reusable portion, and
• a disposable portion including an information element electrically connected to the reusable portion through a breakable conductor, the breakable conductor configured to electrically disconnect the information element from the reusable portion in the event of overuse, damage, or excessive reattachment of the disposable portion;
• a monitor;
• and
• a cable for connecting the sensor to the monitor,
• wherein the reusable portion further comprises an emitter and a detector.

A resposable sensor for measuring a tissue aspect, the resposable sensor comprising:

• a face tape;
• a base tape removably attached to the face tape;
• and
• reusable measurement circuitry including at least one emitter and a detector, wherein the reusable measurement circuitry is removably secured between the face tape and the base tape, is configured to connect to an external monitor, and is configured to measure an aspect of tissue at a measurement site,
• wherein the face tape further includes at least one of an information element and a breakable conductor connected to the reusable measurement circuitry when the reusable measurement circuitry is secured to the face tape.

A pulse oximetry sensor comprising:

• a reusable portion comprising
• an emitter,
• a detector,
• a connector configured to provide communication between the detector and a monitor and the emitter and the monitor, and
• a first contact in communication with the connector;
• and
• a disposable portion comprising
• a second contact, and
• an information element and a conductive element disposed on an adhesive substrate configured to secure the reusable portion to a measurement site,
• the disposable portion removably attached to the reusable portion in a first position such that the first contact contacts the second contact, and detached from the reusable portion in a second position, the conductive element comprising a continuity condition connecting the information element to the second contact so that the information element is in communications with the connector and a discontinuity condition isolating the information element from the second contact and the connector, the discontinuity condition resulting form use of the disposable portion substantially beyond a predetermined amount.