| CPC G01N 27/4165 (2013.01) [C12M 1/34 (2013.01); C12M 23/28 (2013.01); C12M 41/26 (2013.01); G01N 27/283 (2013.01)] | 19 Claims |

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1. A sensor structure, comprising:
a storage compartment configured to retain a storage medium therein;
a sensing element extending through an aperture in the compartment and comprising a sensing structure, a distal end of the sensing structure located proximal a distal end of the sensing element, the sensing element reversibly movable between a first position in which the sensing structure is in fluid communication within the storage compartment and a second position in which the sensing structure is not in fluid communication with the storage compartment, 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, the sensing element comprising a sensing surface substantially flush with adjacent surfaces 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;
a sealing element disposed at least partially within the aperture and 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; 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 proximal portion is moved into and out of the storage compartment.
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