Semen Analysis

A semen analysis evaluates certain parameters (indices) of a male's semen and the sperm contained in the semen. A semen analysis is usually performed to determine whether a man might be infertile. A semen analysis has many parameters and evaluates many aspects of the semen and the sperm. A recommended mode and proper interval for the collection of a semen sample must be followed by the Client, so that the comprehensive reported results enable a urologist and or a fertility specialist in the interpretation and recommended treatment. A semen analysis to determine fertility should be performed on a minimum of 2 samples with a minimum interval of 7 days over a period of 2 to 3 months, because semen sample parameters will vary from day to day, while certain conditions may temporarily affect the results. It has been determined following long term studies that as much as 30% of men with a normal semen analysis actually have abnormal sperm function, while, men with poor semen analysis attributes may be able to father children.

Each of the parameters of a semen analysis has a direct impact on a man’s fertility, but the results do not necessarily predict achieving a pregnancy.

TESTING and REPORTING the results of Semen Analysis

A laboratory report will include most of the following: volume, pH, sperm count (concentration), Total number of sperm, Sperm motility, Index of motility (an average value of between “0” and “3” that reflects how vigorously and straight the sperm move) and Morphology which is an analysis that will reflect the overall appearance of the sperm size, shape and appearance within a given sample, while defects are noted.

Sperm Count

Sperm count, or sperm concentration, measures the concentration of sperm in a man's ejaculate.

Motility

Index of forward progressive motility, (Motility Index), represents the average motility grade for the population of sperm examined within that semen sample. The motility of sperm that are examined within a given sample are divided into four different grades:

Motility Index of 3: Indicates that the majority of the sperm observed in a semen sample swim fast in a straight line.

Motility Index of 2: Indicates that the majority of the sperm observed move in a non-linear mode forward and tend to travel in a curved or zigzag motion.

Motility Index of 1: Indicates that the majority of sperm observed demonstrate a non-progressive motility despite the fact that they move their tails or may exhibit stationary “twitching”

Motility Index of 0: Indicates that the majority of sperm observed are immotile, failing to move at all.

Total Motile sperm

Total motile sperm count is a combination of sperm count, motility and volume, measuring how many million sperm cells in an entire ejaculate are motile.

Morphology

Sperm morphology refers to the assessment of the shape and the structure of sperm within the semen sample that is examined. Microscopic evaluation of the sperm shape, size, and physical structure are noted and any variations from the norm are recorded as a percentage. The sample is also evaluated for the presence of white blood cells. A high level of white blood cells may indicate an infection.

Collection methods

The most common way to collect a semen sample is through masturbation into a sterile container, such as a sterile urine collection cup.  Clients may obtain a sterile cup free of charge from our laboratory, their physician or purchase a sterile cup from their local pharmacy.

CLIENTS ARE URGED NOT TO USE ANY CONTAINER AVAILBLE AT HOME EVEN IF THAT CONTAINER HAS BEEN WASHED WITH ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP OR WASHED IN A DISHWASHER. SOAP RESIDUES OR THEIR BY PRODUCTS MAY HAVE A DIRECT EFFECT ON A SEMEN SAMPLE RESULT.

The Semen specimen is preferably obtained after a period of 2 – 3 days, but not longer than 5 days, of sexual abstinence or masturbation.

The specimen is best collected by masturbation at the laboratory.  The specimen may be collected at home, and delivered to the laboratory within one (1) hour* of collection. The specimen container should be kept as close as possible to body temperature.  The specimen container may be placed under the arm or inside a pocket, close to the body while transporting to the laboratory.  The specimen container should not be left at room temperature for an extended period of time and should not be refrigerated or heated.

For proper evaluation, the laboratory must receive a non contaminated specimen.  Avoid using any cream, lubricants, or powders since they may have an adverse effect on the semen specimen.

*Please inquire for details on alternative transportation methods to extend transport time of a specimen to the laboratory.

Repeat testing

A minimum of 2 to 4 weeks must be allowed between each semen analysis. Results for a single man may demonstrate a variation over time, meaning a single sample may not be representative of a man's average semen characteristics.

Resources

Kamada, M., et al. "Semen Analysis and Antisperm Antibody." Archives of Andrology March-April 1998): 117-128.

World Health Organization. WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, 5th ed. Geneva: WHO Press 2010.

European Association of Andrology. Guidelines on Male Infertility

FEE:*

$250.00 WE DO NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE.  PAYMENT DUE AT TIME OF SERVICE. *Fees are subject to change without prior notice

 

Qualitative Semen Analysis

Testing and Reporting the results of a Qualitative Semen Analysis

A laboratory report will include most of the following: volume, pH, sperm count, motility.

Sperm Count

Sperm count, or sperm concentration, measures the concentration of sperm in a man's ejaculate.

Motility

Index of forward progressive motility, (Motility Index), represents the average motility grade for the population of sperm examined within that semen sample, the motility of sperm that are examined within a given sample are divided into four different grades;

Motility Index of 3: Indicates that the majority of the sperm observed in a semen sample swim fast in a straight line.

Motility Index of 2: Indicates that the majority of the sperm observed move in a non-linear mode forward and tend to travel in a curved or zigzag motion.

Motility Index of 1: Indicates that the majority of sperm observed demonstrate a non-progressive motility despite the fact that they move their tails or may exhibit stationary “twitching”.

Motility Index of 0: Indicates that the majority of sperm observed are immotile and fail to move at all.

Total Motile sperm

Total motile sperm count is a combination of sperm count, motility and volume, measuring how many million sperm cells in an entire ejaculate are motile.

FEE:*

$150.00 WE DO NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE.  PAYMENT DUE AT TIME OF SERVICE. *Fees are subject to change without prior notice.

Sperm Wash

Sperm wash is a technique applied to a semen sample by placing semen into a two layer gradient system. The sperm sample is then centrifuged along with the gradient solution allowing for the separation of the sperm cells from cellular contaminants, non-motile sperm cells, white blood cells and undifferentiated debris. Effectively, this procedure will yield a sample that contains predominately motile sperm cells.

The sperm cells that are extracted are further treated with a medium, making the sample ready for Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI).

This procedure may take between 1:30 to 2:00 hours
FEE:*	$295.00 Monday – Friday WE DO NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE.  PAYMENT DUE AT TIME OF SERVICE. $415.00 Weekends and Holidays WE DO NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE.  PAYMENT DUE AT TIME OF SERVICE. *Fees are subject to change without prior notice.

Sperm Wash with SWIM-UP

Sperm wash with a "SWIM-UP" is a technique that uses sperm self-migration to improve the overall motility in the final sample.

A semen sample is placed into a two layer gradient system. The sperm sample is then centrifuged along with the gradient solution allowing for the separation of the sperm cells from cellular contaminants, non-motile sperm cells, white blood cells and undifferentiated debris.

Once the sperm cells are separated by centrifugation, a medium is layered on top of the sperm. Effectively, this procedure encourages movement of the motile sperm fraction upward into the medium to yield a sample that contains predominately motile sperm cells. The collected sperm is further prepared and made ready for Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI).

This procedure may take between 2:00 to 2:30 hours
FEE:*	$415.00 Monday – Friday WE DO NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE.  PAYMENT DUE AT TIME OF SERVICE. $525.00 Weekends and Holidays WE DO NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE.  PAYMENT DUE AT TIME OF SERVICE. *Fees are subject to change without prior notice.

 

Contact Us

For personalized service, to receive up to date information, obtain quotes of our fees and services or to schedule a consultation with the Director you may contact one of our Client Service Coordinators:

Phone:          Within the USA 800-637-7776 or 908-654-8836

                     International Callers: Country code for the USA + 908-654-8836
Fax:              908-232-2114
Mail:             187 Mill Lane
                     Mountainside, NJ 07092
Email: director@sperm1.com

|Top|