The invention provides a system (1) for determining an identification characteristic of a medical device (3) carrying at least an ultrasound emitter/sensor element (321). The identification characteristic is based on a detection signal from the ultrasound emitter/sensor element (321) upon a drive signal. The system (1) can identify the medical device from a database (211,511) of known medical devices. Furthermore, the system (1) can update the duration and frequency of use of the medical device (3) and it can prohibit further use of the medical device (3) when a predetermined limit of use is exceeded.