Ordering Guidance

This test should not be used to check patient's sterility following a vasectomy. For such cases, order POSV / Post Vasectomy Check, Semen.

Semen analysis specimens submitted to Mayo Clinic Laboratories are not acceptable for fructose testing due to the use of dilution media. For specimen requirements for fructose testing in azoospermia patients, see FROS2 / Fructose, Qualitative, Semen.

Submit separate specimen to rule-out ejaculatory duct blockage. Positive result indicates no blockage.

Shipping Instructions

Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection. Send specimen Monday through Thursday only and not the day before a holiday. If holiday falls on a Saturday, holiday will be observed on the preceding Friday. Sunday holidays are observed on the following Monday. Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as possible. Laboratory does not perform testing on weekends.

Necessary Information

Include the following information:

-Semen volume (required)

-Viscosity

-pH

-Appearance (color)

-Number of days of sexual abstinence

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation: Patient should have 2 to 7 days of sexual abstinence at the time of semen collection for accurate results.

Supplies: Semen Analysis Kit - Dilution Media (T178)

Specimen Volume: Total ejaculate

Collection Instructions:

See Semen Collection Specimen Preparation and Packaging Instructions included with the kit

1. Prior to use, allow dilution medium to warm to room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes.

2. Allow semen to liquefy at room temperature for up to 30 minutes.

3. Use sterile volumetric pipet or tube for volume measurement.

4. Pour liquefied semen into 50-mL dilution medium container within 60 minutes of semen collection time, cap tightly, but do not overtighten, and gently mix.

Note: Proper temperature maintenance of specimen throughout processing and shipping is critical. All materials the specimen is exposed to should be at room temperature (20–28° C).