For the test to be accurate, the semen sample needs to be collected quickly and kept at body temperature. This can be done by masturbating into a special cup.
During the collection process, it is important to avoid using lubricants as these can contain spermicides and affect the results. It is also important to clean the hands and penis before collecting the sample.
1. Place the sample in the cup
Usually, you will collect your sample by ejaculating directly into a specialized cup that is provided to you. It is preferable to avoid using any lubricant when collecting your sample, as this can influence the results of your test. It is also important to not wait too long between ejaculations. This is because older sperm will die and can produce lower motility values. Also, you should refrain from any sex or masturbation for at least two days prior to your test (although each doctor will have their own criteria). This is because prolonged abstinence can result in a low motility count. You may also want to avoid certain medications, such as cimetidine, anabolic steroids and high doses of St. John’s wort.
Once you have collected your semen, make sure to place the specialized container in an upright position and keep it at body temperature. This is because sperm do not live very well outside the body, in fluctuating temperatures.
2. Place the cup in the centrifuge
If you’re interested in determining the health of your reproductive system, a basic semen analysis is an excellent place to start. The test will help you identify a number of important factors, including sperm count, motility, and morphology. It can also identify any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to infertility issues.
The best way to get a reliable sample of semen for testing is to perform masturbation and direct the resultant fluid into a clean, sample cup. This should be done without using any creams or other lubricants, as they may contain chemicals that could negatively impact your results. It’s also important to abstain from sex for 2-3 days before the test, as this will allow your sperm “stock” to refill and provide you with a more accurate result.
Once the semen has been collected, it’s important to keep it at body temperature until it can be analyzed. It’s also important to clearly label each tube for identification purposes. It’s best to write on the tubes directly rather than use stickers, as they can easily fall off during the centrifugation process. Then, carefully transfer the sample to the specialized container and seal it with a sanitized twist tie. Lastly, be sure to mark the lid on the container with its weight (g4). This will help prevent the sample from being mislabeled.
3. Remove the sample from the centrifuge
To conduct the test, you will need to provide a sample of your semen. This can be obtained in a number of ways, but it is usually done by masturbating into a special cup that is provided to you by the laboratory. You will need to urinate before collecting the sample and wash your hands and penis thoroughly so that the sample does not contain bacteria from your skin. It is also recommended that you abstain from sexual activity for two days before the test.
The specialized container that you need to bring with you to the lab is called an ExSeed cup. You can purchase one of these from most medical supply stores or online. The cup is specifically designed for sperm collection and has been tested to ensure that it does not contain any chemicals that might cause harm to the sperm cells. You should only use the ExSeed cup for sperm collection and not any other cups or containers, as this may lead to inaccurate results. It is also recommended that you use no lubricants or creams when masturbating. These products are likely to decrease sperm concentration and motility, which can affect the results of the test.
Once you have removed the sample from the centrifuge, place it in a polypropylene microcentrifuge tube or 12 X 75 mm polypropylene tube and label the tubes with your identifying information. The supernatant that has separated from the solid should be stored at -20 degrees Celsius in a non-frost free freezer until shipping.
4. Place the sample in the specialized container
To perform a sperm analysis, a man must first produce a sample of semen. This can be done using a special condom that allows ejaculation or by masturbating into a cup. In either case, the semen must be placed in a clean specimen container and transported to the Urology Clinic for testing. The patient should also follow a few important guidelines when collecting the sample. It is recommended that the sample be collected after at least 2 days, but no more than 7 days, of sexual abstinence. This will help to ensure that the test results are consistent from day to day.
It is also important to avoid using any lubricants or saliva during the collection process. These can negatively impact sperm concentration and motility. It is also helpful to avoid taking any medications, especially those that affect fertility, for at least two days before the test.
In addition, the patient should keep the specimen container close to body temperature. This is because sperm does not last long when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. The patient should also make sure that the lid of the container is secure before putting it in his shirt pocket or purse. Finally, the sample should be delivered to the lab within an hour of collection. The lab can then analyze the sample and provide the patient with the results.
