Semen sample collection

Collecting and dropping off a semen sample for testing

All semen samples must be collected and dropped off at the clinic by the male partner.

Steps

  1. At your new patient appointment, the Primary Care Team will have given you a semen sample cup with your label on it. If you do not have this, please contact the clinic to request one. You can pick one up at the clinic Monday to Friday, between 7 am and 3 pm.
  2. You must book an appointment through your patient app for your semen sample drop-off at the clinic. If there is no appointment in place, we will not accept your sample. Drop-off appointments are available Monday to Friday, between 10:30 and 11:30 am only.
  3. Semen samples will not be accepted if dropped off by your female partner.
  4. Please bring government-issued photo ID, such as a health card, passport or driver’s licence. This will be used to verify your identity.
  5. Your semen specimen must be brought by the male partner to the andrology lab, and only if it can be in the lab within one hour of collection and it is kept at room temperature during that time.
  6. If you are unable to arrive at the clinic within 1 hour of collection, please tell your Primary Care Team before your appointment.
  7. In these cases you will need to produce your semen specimen at the clinic: semen collection for an insemination (IUI), or semen collection for freezing. Your appointment will be scheduled in advance in the app or booked for you by the clinical team.

Collection guidelines

  • The sample should be collected after a minimum of 48 hours, and a maximum of 7–10 days, of sexual abstinence.
  • When collecting the specimen at home, it must be collected in a clean specimen container with a secure lid. The clinic will give you one. Do not bring the specimen in a bag or a condom, unless it is a Male Factor condom.
  • The specimen must be collected by masturbation directly into the container. Avoid lubricants, as they are toxic to sperm. It is important to collect the entire specimen, and it is critical that you tell the lab if any of the semen was lost.
  • Sperm is sensitive to temperature changes during transport from home to the clinic. Please keep the sample at room temperature.

Your results

The test results will be sent to your physician and discussed with you at your next appointment.