Test Name SEIN Semen Analysis, Infertility
Specimen Requirements
Preparation of Patient:
Studies show that the normal male maximum sperm activity is seen in specimens collected after 3 days and not more than 7 days abstinence from sexual intercourse. However, the physician may alter the conditions of the testing, and patients should follow such directions. Do not use any lubricant or contraceptive preparation or condom since they may affect the test.
Container Type:
Sterile plastic container
Specimen Type:
Semen, total ejaculate
Specimen Volume:
> 1.0 mL
Specimen Handling/Transport:
Specimen must be received in laboratory within 1 hour of collection.
Specimen Stability/Storage:
1 hour room temperature (for assessment of motility and slide making). Count is stable for 12 hours refrigerated (2-8oC)
Specimen Rejection:
Specimens collected in a condom (prophylactic) as spermicide is present and will affect results
Volume < 0.5 mL
Performing Laboratory
Munson Healthcare Laboratories
Priority, Frequency, & Turnaround
Priority:
Non-Emergent
Frequency:
Monday through Friday 7am - 5pm
Turnaround Time:
0 - 1 day
Methodology
Manual Count by Hemacytometer
Reporting
Reference Range:
Viscosity: normal
Volume: 1.2-7.4 mL
Count: 20-160 million/mL
Motility: >60%
pH: 7.0-8.5
Critical Decision:
None
Clinical Significance
Volume |
In normal individuals the average volume should be between 1.0 - 7.0 mL. Increases of 0.4 mL per day of abstinence can be seen. Decreased volume is associated with infertility but increases are not significant until the volume is greater than 10 mL |
Appearance |
Any abnormal appearance of the fluid such as blood pigmentation or increased turbidity (due to white blood cells) should be noted |
Viscosity |
Increased viscosity that affects motility is significant because there may be poor penetration of the cervical mucus by spermatozoa |
Motility |
Sperm motility of greater than 60% is associated with fertility |
Count |
Although the normal range is >20 million/mL, counts of between 10 and 20 million are considered borderline. 40-50% of infertility problems are said to be due to dysfunction of the male reproductive system |
pH |
pH of normal semen is slightly alkaline. An abnormally high ratio of prostatic fluid to seminal fluid will produce a more acid pH |
CPT Code(s)
89310