Semen analysis information

We have appointments for semen analysis on every day of the week. Your doctor will request the test from us and we will send you a letter with the details of your appointment. If your GP is arranging your test, the appointment can only be made using the e-referral system.  

We know that some of our patients are having to wait longer for their appointment than we would like.  We are working our way through our waiting lists as quickly and safely as possible. If you are unable to attend your appointment or no longer need it, please contact us as soon as possible on the details below to cancel or reschedule. This will free up spaces for others who need an appointment.

Due to ongoing social distancing restrictions and infection control measures, our rooms are unavailable for you to produce your semen sample here in the hospital. We are still able to analyse a sample for you if you can bring it to the laboratory from home. A sample pot and full information will be sent by post to you closer to your appointment date.

To enable us to provide this service we ask that you follow these instructions:

• Please deliver your semen sample on the date and time of your appointment.
• Please try to deliver your sample to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection. We will accept samples up to 90 minutes from collection.
• If your doctor has requested a “retrograde urine” or “post orgasmic urine analysis” please contact the laboratory as soon as possible so that we can provide you with additional information
• You must contact the laboratory immediately if you no longer need your appointment, or if you have any questions regarding these arrangements.
• A pot and form will be sent to you home address around one month before your appointment.
• If you have not received you pot and form within 2 weeks of your appointment, please contact the laboratory as soon as possible so that we can resend them

Please check your pot for any cracks or damage and contact the laboratory if you require replacement. Please do not remove the lid at this time to avoid contamination.

Instructions for semen sample collection:

Please observe between 3 and 5 days of sexual abstinence before collecting your sample for best results. Samples provided after less than 2 days or greater than 7 days of sexual abstinence cannot be accepted as the results can be compromised.

1. Write your name, date of birth and hospital number on the label of your pot
2. Complete ‘Section 1’ of the production form.
3. Please wash your hands and penis prior to collection.
4. Do not use any lubricants
5. Remove the lid and provide your semen sample directly into the pot provided via masturbation.
6. Once you have collected the sample replace the lid and secure tightly.
7. Seal the pot into the bag provided.
8. Record the time of collection or “production time” in the space on the form.
9. Complete ‘Section 2’ of your production form
10. Keep the sample in a pocket close to your body during transport to the laboratory. This keeps it close to body temperature. Do not expose your sample to hot or cold temperatures as this may damage the sperm. Please avoid exposure to direct sunlight as much as possible.

When you arrive at the department a member of staff will check the details on the pot and form, and answer any questions you may have. Please wear a face covering and maintain your distance from staff and other patients to help us continue to offer this service.

If you have any questions about providing your sample or your appointment, please contact us.

We appreciate that these arrangements are less than ideal, however to minimise further delay to your appointment this is the safest way for us to provide a test for you. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding at this difficult time.