This sheet answers common questions about the semen analysis service (andrology) at Barnet Hospital. If you would like further information, or have any particular worries, please do not hesitate to ask your nurse or doctor.

What is the andrology service?

Andrology is an area of male health that deals with the male reproductive system. The Andrology Service provides testing for male infertility. Our gold standard test for this is a semen analysis, which includes checking sperm numbers, how they move and if they have a normal shape. At Barnet Hospital, semen analysis appointments are offered by the pathology service.

An appointment is required for all semen analysis. Samples will not be accepted without an appointment.

What else do I need to know?

Patients are required to have between two and five days sexual abstinence before collecting a sample for semen analysis.

All samples must be delivered to the laboratory at Barnet Hospital within 50 minutes of production. If you are unable to deliver the sample in this timeframe, please contact the andrology laboratory for advice. There are no facilities on site to produce samples.

Post vasectomy semen analysis is performed at 12 weeks post vasectomy and after a minimum of 20 ejaculations. A second sample can be analysed at 20 weeks.

There is often a waiting time for appointments so if you need to cancel your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so it can be offered to someone else.

Preparing for your appointment

Please check that the following are clearly marked on your request form:

  • Your name, date of birth and address
  • The test requested
  • Your GP's name and address.

Before your appointment date: collect a pre-weighed specimen container and instruction leaflet from the pathology specimen reception on level three, Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm.

Please ensure that you arrive on time for your appointment. If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your appointment time you may have to arrange a new appointment.

How do I collect my specimen?

Before collecting your specimen, you must not have had sex or masturbated for 48 hours but should not have abstained for longer than five days.

In preparation, wash your hands and genitals well with water only then dry thoroughly. Please do not use any soap, gels, lubricants, or oils as this will affect the results.

Collect the sample by masturbation, ensuring the entire specimen goes directly into the container you have been given. If you think you may find this difficult, contact the pathology laboratory who can provide a special clinical condom which can be used in conjunction with vaginal intercourse.

If you have collected your sample using a condom, please use the twist tie to tightly close the top and place it into the container. A normal rubber or latex condom must not be used for semen collection as the coating can affect sperm.

It is important that the entire ejaculate (ejection of semen) is collected as one sample as the first part will often have the highest concentration of sperm. Please notify a staff member if some of the sample has been lost.

A normal sample volume is approximately half a teaspoon.

What kind of container can I use for my sample?

To bring your sample to your appointment, please use the sterile container provided by the pathology reception. No other sample container is suitable. You should not open the container until you are ready to produce your sample.

Write your name, date of birth and the date and time of collection on the label on the container. Mismatched or unlabelled samples will not be processed.

Seal the container immediately after sample collection, making sure the lid is tightly screwed on. Tape or other adhesives should not be used.

Please fill out your name, date of birth, the period of abstinence before your sample, the exact time of sample production and the name of the consultant or GP that has requested the sample on the form provided. For post vasectomy patients, please provide the date of the vasectomy operation.

How do I deliver the sample?

Once you have collected your sample and completed the accompanying form, bring both to:

Specimen Reception
Pathology Department
Level Three
Barnet Hospital
Wellhouse Lane
Barnet, EN5 3DJ

Before delivering the sample, keep it in a pocket close to your body and do not deliver it any other time than your given appointment.

When you arrive, please inform a member of staff at the specimen reception that you are there. Do not leave your specimen unattended.

If you have any difficulties with the collection and delivery of your sample, please contact the laboratory by telephone: 020 3912 0366.