The present invention lessens the amount of air entering between mating membranes
of a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor of the present invention includes a transducer
portion and separate patient or medical fluid transfer portion or dome. The transducer
portion is reusable and the dome is disposable. The dome defines a fluid flow chamber
that is bounded on one side by a dome membrane. Likewise, the transducer is mounted
inside a housing, wherein the housing defines a surface that holds a transducer
membrane. The two membranes mate when the dome is fitted onto the transducer housing.
The pressure sensor enhances the seal between the mated membranes by creating higher
localized contact stresses. The pressure sensor also reduces the amount of gas
that permeates from the fluid chamber across the dome membrane and between the
interface by making the dome membrane from a material having a low vapor transmission.