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Overview :
For valid conclusions to be made from semen analysis, it is
important that a good specimen be collected and properly delivered.
Some test results affected by poor specimen collection:
(1) gross appearance
(2) volume (low)
(3) motility (poor)
(4) viability (poor)
(5) viscocity (high or low)
(6) density (low)
(7) morphology (degenerate forms)
Parameters for Good
Sperm Sample
Period of
abstinence before specimen collection:
• ideally
3-4 days
• if < 2
days: the sperm density may be low
• if > 4
days: the sperm may show a reduced motility and viability
Manner of
collection:
•
Masturbation most practical.
• Coitus
interruptus may result in loss of the first portion of the ejaculate.
Sample
collection:
• The
entire specimen should be collected. Sometimes a "split" sample is collected,
with the first and subsequent portions kept separate.
• The loss
of the first portion of the ejaculate: associated with reduced sperm count since
first portion has the highest concentration of spermatozoa.
• Samples
recovered from vagina may have incomplete volume recovery and be diluted by
vaginal secretions.
Collection
container:
• Clean,
dry wide-mouthed glass or hard plastic container provided by the laboratory
should be used.
• Glass
jars or containers from the home may contain detergents or other
contaminants
• Soft
plastic containers are associated with reduced viability and motility for
spermatozoa
• Regular
condoms may result in incomplete volume recovery and may contain
spermicides.
• Special
condoms for sperm collection may result in incomplete volume recovery.
Time for
delivery after collection:
• 1 hour or
less optimum
• Longer
periods result in specimen deterioration with reduced motility.
Temperature
during transportation:
• The
container should be warmed to body temperature before specimen collection.
• The
specimen should be maintained at body temperature until delivered to the
laboratory.
• The
specimen should be protected from temperature extremes.
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