Sensing element for use with media-preserving storage and calibration chamber

A sensor structure, comprising:

• a storage compartment configured to retain a storage medium therein;
• a sealing element disposed at least partially within an aperture in the storage compartment, the sealing element comprising an aperture extending therethrough;
• a sensing element extending through the aperture in the sealing element, the sealing element configured to engage a surface of the sensing element to provide a seal inhibiting fluid flow in or out of storage compartment through the aperture in the storage compartment, the sensing element comprising a sensing surface substantially flush with adjacent surfaces of the sensing element, a distal end of the sensing surface located proximal a distal end of the sensing element, the sensing element comprising a section of substantially constant cross-sectional shape extending between a point proximal the proximal end of the sensing surface and a point distal the distal end of the sensing surface, the sensing element reversibly movable between:
• a first position in which the sensing structure is in fluid communication within the storage compartment and a distal end of the sensing element is located distal of the sealing element, and
• a second position in which the sensing structure is located distal of the sealing element, a proximal portion of the sensing element or of a movable component connected to the sensing element being located proximal and outside of the storage compartment when the sensing element is in the first position, the proximal portion located within the storage compartment when the sensing element is in the second position;
• and
• a sterilizable and compressible compartment proximal the storage chamber and configured to retain the proximal portion when the sensing element is in the first position to maintain the sterility of the storage compartment when the sensing element is moved between the first and second positions to move the proximal portion into and out of the storage compartment.