Adequacy of Semen Specimen for Analysis

Some test results affected by poor specimen collection:

(1) gross appearance

(2) volume (low)

(3) motility (poor)

(4) viability (poor)

(5) viscosity (high or low)

(6) density (low)

(7) morphology (degenerate forms)

Parameters for Good Sperm Sample

Period of abstinence before specimen collection:

(1) The ideal interval is 3-4 days.

(2) A period  < 2 days may be associated with a low sperm density.

(3) A period  > 4 days may be associated with reduced sperm motility and viability.

Manner of collection:

(1) Masturbation most practical.

(2) Coitus interruptus may result in loss of the first portion of the ejaculate.

Sample collection:

(1) The entire specimen should be collected. Sometimes a "split" sample is collected, with the first and subsequent portions kept separate.

(2) The loss of the first portion of the ejaculate: associated with reduced sperm count since first portion has the highest concentration of spermatozoa.

(3) Samples recovered from vagina may have incomplete volume recovery and be diluted by vaginal secretions.

Collection container:

(1) Clean, dry wide-mouthed glass or hard plastic container provided by the laboratory should be used.

(2) Glass jars or containers from the home may contain detergents or other contaminants

(3) Soft plastic containers are associated with reduced viability and motility for spermatozoa

(4) Regular condoms may result in incomplete volume recovery and may contain spermicides.

(5) Special condoms for sperm collection may result in incomplete volume recovery.

Time for delivery after collection:

(1) 1 hour or less is optimum.

(2) Longer periods result in specimen deterioration with reduced motility.

Temperature during transportation:

(1) The container should be warmed to body temperature before specimen collection.

(2) The specimen should be maintained at body temperature until delivered to the laboratory.

(3) The specimen should be protected from temperature extremes.