Reasons for Semen Analysis

POST-VASECTOMY ANALYSIS

REASONS FOR SEMEN ANALYSIS

You have been asked to produce a semen sample because you have had a vasectomy. Your semen sample will be examined microscopically to see if you are still producing potentially fertile sperm.

ARRANGING AN APPOINTMENT

You are not required to make an appointment but it is necessary for you to contact the laboratory to inform them that you will be delivering a sample for analysis. The analysis is time bounded and you need to telephone 01274 364688 and speak with the laboratory staff, informing them of your intention. You will be informed as to whether the laboratory has the capacity to perform the analysis that day or a suitable date will be give to you. At the moment we do not have any suitable patient facilities at Bradford Royal Infirmary that would allow you to produce the sample on site and you will need to collect and bring your sample direct to the laboratory within 1 hour of production.

PRODUCTION OF SAMPLE

Your sample must be producedwithin one hour of sample delivery.

Before producing your sample you must:

• Ensure you have contacted the laboratory to ensure they have the capacity to undertake the work required on your sample (testing has to be within 4 hours of collection). If your sample cannot be analysed that day you will be given some alternative dates.
• Abstain from sexual activity that results in ejaculation (intercourse or masturbation) for 2-3 days, but no longer than 7
• Wash your hands and genitals with soap and water; ensuring complete removal of all soap residues and dry thoroughly.

Please ensure you collect the entire sample, by masturbation, directly into the sterile container provided by us or by your GP(other containers are not acceptable).

Do not use a sheath/condom for collection, or use any lubricant while masturbating for the production of your sample, as they are harmful to sperm.

REQUEST FORM AND CONTAINER

You will have been given a request for designed for this type of analysis.

Please write on the Request form:

• Your full name and address
• Date of birth,
• Requesting doctor’s name and their surgery/clinic details
• Date and time of sample production.
• Indicate whether the sample is the complete collection.
• Length of abstinence (days refraining from sexual activity resulting in ejaculation)
• Indicate the request type

Please write on the container label

• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Requesting Doctors name
• Date /time of sample production.

Please ensure that you deliver the sample directly to the Pathology laboratory on the ground floor Bradford Royal Infirmary within 1 hour of collection and keep the sample warm by carrying it under clothing near to your body.

Samples more than one hour old may give inaccurate results. You will then be asked to produce a repeat sample.

Do not send your sample by post or GP surgery carrier.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you are requested by your GP/consultant to provide a second sample please wait at least 14 days from the production of the first sample.