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Test Code SEMEN Semen Analysis

Useful For

Determining male fertility status

 

This test should NOT be used to check for sterility following vasectomy procedure. In such cases, order PVSEM (if within 12 months of vasectomy) or SEM-QL (if more than 12 months after vasectomy).

Synonyms/Keywords

Semen analysis; preserved sample

Specimen Requirements

Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
No Semen

Sterile plastic container with plastic lid

 Sterile container 0.2 mL    

Collection/Processing Instructions

Fresh semen specimen is required

 

Recommended 2-7 days abstinence (3-5 days is optimal)

 

Marshfield Campus: Provider's MA to enter order/appointment in Central Lab M-F between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (excluding holidays/observed holidays) and then notify 24 Hour Services - Andrology section (ext 16377) of collection date and time.

 

All other facilities: Provider's MA call respective collecting lab (listed below) to schedule collection. Collection kit will be handled by regional lab and sent to Marshfield for analysis.

  • Samples must be received at the Marshfield lab before 3:00 pm Monday through Friday for same day testing. Samples arriving after 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday are testing the following day (if preserved).
    • Testing is not preformed on weekends, holidays, or observed holidays.
    •  Samples received after 3:00 pm on Fridays and day before holiday/observed holiday will be rejected.
  •  If preserved, sample must be received and testing in Marshfield Andrology Lab within 24 hours of collection (18 hours or fewer in preservative is optimal).

Collection Sites:

 

  • Marshfield
  • Beaver Dam
  • Dickinson
  • Eau Claire
  • Ladysmith
  • Minocqua
  • Neillsville
  • Park Falls
  • Rice Lake
  • Stevens Point
  • Weston

 

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Fresh semen Ambient

30 minutes
Preserved semen Ambient 24 hours

Rejection Criteria

Preserved samples not received in Marshfield within 24 hours

Test Components

Days of Abstinence, Color, Viscosity, Liquefaction Rate, Concentration (count), % Total Sperm Motility, % Progressive Motile Sperm, % Non-Progressive Motile Sperm, Sperm Velocity (microns/sec.), Total Sperm per Ejaculate, Total Motile Sperm per Ejaculate, Volume, pH, WBC, RBC (if present), Vitality (if total motility is <40%), Morphology W.H.O. 5th Ed. (% Normal), and Immature Sperm Cells (#/100 Sperm).

Test Information

Note: In-house study indicates 80-90% of sperm motility is retained when transport buffer is used, meaning preserved samples demonstrating 32% to 39% motility may be in the normal range if analysis was performed on a fresh (unpreserved) sample.  If indicated, it is recommended that borderline patients collect a fresh sample at Marshfield Main Campus to verify fertility status.

Interferences

If site unable to perform pH and viscosity prior to adding transport buffer, these results will not be reported. 

Interpretations

Semen composition can vary widely in the same man from specimen to specimen. Semen parameters falling outside normal ranges do not exclude fertility.  Analysis of 2-3 semen samples is recommended to establishing patient's fertility status.

Reference Range Information

Reference Range
See interpretative report

Marshfield Labs Performing Department

Marshfield Labs Urinalysis

Performing Information

Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Marshfield Monday through Friday 3 business days Automated - SQA-Vision Analyzer (WHO 5th Ed.)

CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
89320        

Outreach CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
89320        

Ordering Applications

Ordering Application Description
Cerner Semen Analysis Complete