Important Information Regarding your Semen Analysis
In order to streamline the semen diagnostic service within IVF Wales, we have made changes which will affect the process of accepting / booking semen analysis.
All GPs within Wales
Instructions to patients
Following referral from your GP, you will be sent an appointment letter for the next available appointment at the Unit. Along with the appointment letter you will be sent:
- Instructions re sample production
- Form for completion
- Labelled sample pot with unique identification labels attached.
The sample will need to be delivered to the Unit within 2 hours of being produced.
The result will be forwarded to your GP surgery or to the referrer within 7 to 10 days following analysis of the sample.
No results will be given via the telephone for confidentiality reasons.
Unfortunately samples that do not have the relevant information completed will not be analysed.
Patients who attend the Unit without a scheduled appointment will not be seen.
- Semen samples should be produced at home and brought to the Unit within 2 hours of being produced. In exceptional circumstances ONLY will diagnostic samples be booked for production in the Unit.
- Semen samples should be collected within 2 to 3 days of abstinence from intercourse or masturbation.
- The sample should be produced by masturbation and must be collected in the pot provided. Do not use a condom as this will affect sperm quality. It is important that the individual pot is used as this contains your unique identifying data.
- The request form (blue and white form) should be completed with the following information:
- General Practitioner details including surgery address
- Previous analysis details
- Time and date specimen produced
- Number of days of abstinence
- Complete sample collected.
This information ensures that the sample is processed and the result returned to the correct referrer. If the above fields are not completed we will be unable to process your sample.
- The lid of the pot must be closed properly. If any part of the semen has been spilt then the staff at the Unit must be informed as this could affect the result.
- The sample collected should be kept at ambient temperature (20 °C - 37 °C), as large changes in temperature may affect sperm quality (we suggest that you carry the pot inside your jacket or trouser pocket).
- Results of investigations will be forwarded within 7 to 10 days to your General Practitioner, or referrer.
- If the result is unsatisfactory or requires repeating you will be forwarded a further appointment for a second investigation.
- No results will be given via the telephone. This is for confidentiality reasons and is part of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board policy.
