HOW TO COLLECT A SEMEN SAMPLE FOR POSTVASECTOMY SPERM COUNT Patient Information Leaflet Your Health. Our Priority. www.stockport.nhs.uk Microbiology Department | Directorate of Laboratory Medicine Page 2 of 4 Before you start Wash and dry your hands and genitals before collecting your specimen to reduce contamination. Please ensure all soap residue is removed. You will need • • • 2 specimen containers 2 specimen request forms 2 specimen transport bags When to collect your samples You must not have intercourse (or masturbate) for at least 3 days before the test. However you must also not abstain from intercourse (or masturbation) for more than 6 days prior to the test. You must have had at least 24 ejaculations since your vasectomy for the test to be valid. You must collect your sample in the morning. Samples need to be taken to the laboratory as soon after collection as possible for examination the same day. • • Collect your first sample at least 16 weeks after your operation Collect your second sample at least 2 weeks after your first sample Some doctors advise a different time schedule for testing semen samples after vasectomy. However, the Microbiology Laboratory at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust still feels it is safer to test at least 2 semen samples and get negative results in at least 2 samples before giving the ‘all clear’. If sperm are seen in a post-vasectomy semen sample you will be asked for further samples to be tested until negative results are achieved. How to collect your sample Obtain the specimen by masturbation and pass it directly, without loss, into the container provided. Don’t use a condom as this will affect the results. Secure the top of the container tightly. Please check the specimen container label has • • • Your full name (first name and surname) and date of birth The type of specimen (that is, semen) Time and date of collection of the semen sample. Please check the specimen request form has • • Your full name (first name and surname), address and date of birth Your doctor’s name and surgery www.stockport.nhs.uk Microbiology Department | Directorate of Laboratory Medicine Page 3 of 4 • • • • The type of specimen being sent (that is, semen) - the form must say ‘For post-vasectomy sperm count’ States how many days abstinence before production of specimen Date of your operation Actual date and time specimen was produced. NB: incompletely labelled specimens and request forms will not be processed. Finally Place the form in the pouch of the specimen transport bag. The specimen and request form should be delivered to the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Stepping Hill Hospital as soon as possible after collection by yourself. For accurate results the sample needs to be examined on the day of collection. The Microbiology Laboratory preferably accepts semen samples for post-vasectomy sperm count on weekdays (excluding Bank Holidays) from 8.30am to 11.30am. NB: If you plan taking your sample to your GP surgery for transport to us you should check when specimens are transported to the laboratory so that the sample can reach us and be examined on the same day as collection. * Your Doctor will have a written report within 7 days of your test. Contact us If you would like further information or advice about collecting your sample, please telephone the Microbiology Laboratory on 0161 419 4491 or 4695, and the Microbiology fax number is 0161 419 5613. More information on Laboratory tests may be found on www.labtestsonline.org.uk and on the Stepping Hill Laboratory website at http://nhslabmedservices.co.uk www.stockport.nhs.uk Microbiology Department | Directorate of Laboratory Medicine Page 4 of 4 If you would like this leaflet in a different format, for example, in large print, or on audiotape, or for people with learning disabilities, please contact: Patient and Customer Services, Poplar Suite, Stepping Hill Hospital. Tel: 0161 419 5678. Email: PCS@stockport.nhs.uk. Our smoke free policy Smoking is not allowed anywhere on our sites. Please read our leaflet 'Policy on Smoke Free NHS Premises' to find out more. Leaflet number Publication date Review date Department Location www.stockport.nhs.uk Intranet Office will supply April 2013 April 2015 Microbiology Department Directorate of Laboratory Medicine Microbiology Department | Directorate of Laboratory Medicine