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26292 Semen Analysis

Semen Analysis
Test Code: SEMEN
Synonyms/Keywords

Semen analysis; preserved sample

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 Imm​ature Sperm Cells (#/100 Sperm).

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).​

Specimen Requirements
Fasting RequiredSpecimen TypePreferred Container/TubeAcceptable Container/TubeSpecimen VolumeSpecimen 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 lab to schedule collection. Collection kit will be handled by regional lab and sent to Marshfield for analysis.​

  1. Collect specimens Monday-Friday: Sample must be received in Marshfield Lab before 3:00 p.m. on Fridays and by 3:00 p.m. the day before a holiday/observed holiday.
  2. Specimen must arrive at the Marshfield Laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
  3. Add room temperature transport buffer to sample after it has liquefied (wait 30-60 minutes after collection time).
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen TypeTemperatureTime
​Fresh semen
​Ambient

​30 minutes​

​Preserved semen​Ambient​24 hours
Rejection Criteria

Preserved samples not received in Marshfield within 24 hours

Interference

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

Performing Laboratory Information
Performing LocationDay(s) Test PerformedAnalytical TimeMethodology/Instrumentation
​Marshfield​Monday through Friday​3 business days​Automated - SQA-Vision Analyzer (WHO 5th Ed.)
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.

Reference Range Information

Reference Range

See interpretative report
Interpretation

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.​

Outreach CPTs
CPTModifier
(if needed)
QuantityDescriptionComments
​89320
Synonyms/Keywords

Semen analysis; preserved sample

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 Imm​ature Sperm Cells (#/100 Sperm).

Ordering Applications
Ordering ApplicationDescription
If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Fasting RequiredSpecimen TypePreferred Container/TubeAcceptable Container/TubeSpecimen VolumeSpecimen 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

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 lab to schedule collection. Collection kit will be handled by regional lab and sent to Marshfield for analysis.​

  1. Collect specimens Monday-Friday: Sample must be received in Marshfield Lab before 3:00 p.m. on Fridays and by 3:00 p.m. the day before a holiday/observed holiday.
  2. Specimen must arrive at the Marshfield Laboratory within 24 hours of collection.
  3. Add room temperature transport buffer to sample after it has liquefied (wait 30-60 minutes after collection time).
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen TypeTemperatureTime
​Fresh semen
​Ambient

​30 minutes​

​Preserved semen​Ambient​24 hours
Rejection Criteria

Preserved samples not received in Marshfield within 24 hours

Interference

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

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).​

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 Imm​ature Sperm Cells (#/100 Sperm).

Reference Range Information

Reference Range

See interpretative report
Interpretation

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.​

For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing LocationDay(s) Test PerformedAnalytical TimeMethodology/Instrumentation
​Marshfield​Monday through Friday​3 business days​Automated - SQA-Vision Analyzer (WHO 5th Ed.)
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPTModifier
(if needed)
QuantityDescriptionComments
​89320
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.