Semen test

The examination of semen samples is done in our clinical laboratory and is also called semen analysis. The attending physician determines which tests should be done on the semen sample and indicates them on the request form.

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Why a semen test?

In case of fertility problems, your gynaecologist may decide to proceed with IUI (intrauterine insemination), in which sperm cells are inserted directly into the uterus. During this procedure, the sperm is first processed in the laboratory to isolate the highest quality sperm cells. This process is called capacitation.

After sterilisation (vasectomy), the semen must be examined for the presence of sperm cells to verify the success of the procedure.

Before providing a sample, you must first register at the laboratory reception. Please bring the referral form from your doctor so we have the necessary administrative details. After making an appointment, you will receive the appropriate collection container to take home.

Capacitation is a natural process that sperm goes through as it passes through the cervical mucus. Since sperm cells never swim up through the cervical mucus during fertility treatment, this step is done in the laboratory through sperm selection by gradient centrifugation. During this preparation it is determined how many moving sperm cells can be isolated from the semen sample. This will help determine the planning of a fertility treatment.

The capacitated sample is made available about an hour and a half after delivery of the semen sample. The gynaecologist is notified as soon as the sample is ready. The collection procedure is just the same as for a fertility test. You will receive the sampling material when making the appointment.

It is important that you first get a blood test to detect sexually transmitted diseases. This examination takes place no more than 7 days before insemination and not on the day of insemination itself.

In order to be sure that the sterilization or vasectomy was done successfully, it is exexamined whether there are still sperm cells in the semen. For this purpose, you bring a semen sample to the clinical laboratory at the hospital within the hour after collection.

On the container you write your name, date of birth, as well as the day and time of collection. You deliver this directly to the laboratory along with the request signed by the doctor.

You can bring in a semen sample for this examination to the clinical laboratory any weekday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (excluding holidays).

In a routine analysis, the following parameters are determined from the semen sample:

  • Volume of the semen sample
  • Number of sperm cells (concentration)
  • Motility of the sperm cells
  • Shape of the sperm cells (morphology)
  • Vitality of the sperm cells: what percentage of living sperm cells are in the semen sample
  • Antibodies produced against one's own sperm cells in a MAR test (Mixed Antiglobulin Reaction test).
  • Presence of white blood cells

You can bring in a semen sample to the clinical laboratory every weekday between 8 a.m. and noon (excluding holidays).

Guidelines

There are some guidelines for obtaining and giving a semen sample that you must follow carefully:

  • The sample must be collected after a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 5 days of abstinence.
  • If you have received a container with transport fluid, keep it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24 hours. The evening before sampling, place it at room temperature. Half an hour before collection, place the jar of liquid at body temperature (under the sweater or in the pocket) for 30 minutes. You should collect the sample semen in this liquid.
  • After urination, hands and genitals are washed and dried to reduce bacterial contamination.
  • The sample is collected via masturbation and collected directly and completely in the provided sample jar.
  • Provide the container with your name, date of birth, date and time.
  • The sample should be brought to the lab as soon as possible after collection (it should arrive at the lab within half an hour after collection) and must be kept warm (body temperature, e.g. under the sweater or in the pocket) and brought to the lab in the same manner. (Do not hand the sample to the hospital reception desk!)
  • The sample is given to the lab employee along with the application.
  • The necessary administrative information is filled in.

Department

Would you like more information or to make an appointment? Contact the department(s) below.
Clinical biology lab

Plan your appointment

Call for an appointment 011 69 92 50