Male Infertility Testing

The following are descriptions of the specialized testing and services that we offer.

Key Benefits

Semen Analysis
Post-Vasectomy Sperm Count
Pyospermia Analysis
Semen Fructose
Post-Ejaculatory Urinalysis
Anti-sperm Antibodies or Direct Immunobead Test (D-IBT)
Sperm Viability Stain
Sperm Washing for Artificial Insemination

Sperm Bank
OverNiteMale™ Kit

Semen Analysis

Our comprehensive semen analysis utilizes a Computer­Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA) which measures total count, concentration, total motile sperm, velocity and complete vigor description of sperm motion. Sperm morphology (WHO Third edition- World Health Organization or Strict criteria) is performed following dehydration, fixation and PAP staining; please specify WHO or Strict criteria (WHO Third edition criteria will be performed by default). In addition, live/dead, volume, color, viscosity, liquefaction, turbidity and white blood cell (WBC) count are assessed.

The specimen must be produced on the laboratory site. There should be at least 2 to 3 days (but no more than 5 days) of sexual abstinence before producing the specimen. The specimen should be produced by masturbation. For other methods, consult your doctor.

Specimens are accepted Monday to Friday. Results are available to the physician the same or next day. 

Post-Vasectomy Sperm Count

Post-vasectomy sperm count includes microscopic visualization of sperm cells. When no sperm are visible, the specimen is centrifuged, and the pellet microscopically analyzed for the presence of any sperm.

Specimens are accepted Monday to Friday. Results are available to the physician the same day.

Pyospermia Analysis

Human semen contains a population of round cells that are primarily immature sperm cells and/or WBC which are almost indistinguishable by light microscopy. In fertile patients, round cells usually represent less than 5% of the total cellular population in semen. Some semen samples contain high numbers of WBC which may be associated with inflammation or infection and/or high numbers of immature sperm cells. Our laboratory offers an immunohistologic technique of WBC identification by monoclonal antibody. The high accuracy is the main advantage of this technique allowing the enumeration of all WBC in semen.

Specimens are accepted Monday to Friday. Results are available to the physician within one to two weeks.

Semen Fructose

The presence of high levels of fructose is normal in the semen and this sugar comes almost entirely from the seminal vesicles. Obstruction of this accessory gland due to infection or tumor will result in low semen volumes since the seminal vesicles normally produce 70% of the seminal plasma. Normal contributions of the seminal vesicle can be easily tested in a semen sample with a biochemical determination of fructose. This test would be indicated in cases of hypospermia (low semen volume) or symptomatic infection of the seminal vesicle. If hypospermia presents with azoospermia (lack of sperm in the ejaculate), the patient may suffer from congenital absence of the vas deferens, a condition which always lacks the presence of seminal vesicles. The concentration of fructose in the initial semen sample is a quick and inexpensive way to screen for this possibility and to determine if further workup is indicated.

Specimens are accepted Monday to Friday. Results are available to the physician the same day.

Post-Ejaculatory Urinalysis

This is a diagnostic test to determine if the patient suffers from retrograde ejaculation (semen and sperm enter the bladder instead of the penis following emission). This situation most frequently occurs when the internal bladder-neck sphincter fails to close properly during ejaculation due to surgery, trauma, abnormal neural function (diabetic neuropathy, spinal cord injury) or use of certain anti-hypertensive drugs. Thus the entire ejaculate or a portion of it enters the bladder. For this test, the patient is asked to produce a semen specimen by masturbation into a sterile container. Immediately following this, the patient urinates into sterile container(s), completely emptying his bladder. Thus, it is best if the patient begins this collection process with a partially filled bladder. The semen and urine specimens are transported to the laboratory where each is examined microscopically for the presence of sperm. To do so, the urine specimen is centrifuged and the total number of sperm cells in the pellet is counted. For the semen, a count and motility of sperm is provided.

Specimens are accepted Monday to Friday. Results are available to the physician the same day.

Anti-sperm Antibodies or Direct Immunobead Test (D-IBT)

An immunologic cause of infertility may result when a man develops antibodies to his own sperm. The presence of these antibodies on the sperm is tested using a Direct Immunobead Test (D-IBT). This test requires a fresh semen sample.

Specimens are accepted Monday to Friday, by appointment only. Results are available to the physician the same day.

Sperm Viability Stain

To determine the % of live sperm and % dead sperm in a specimen.

Sperm Washing for Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination (AI) with husband's semen is recommended when sperm count or semen volume is low, or in cases of retrograde ejaculation. Sperm may be concentrated for AI and at the same time washed free of detrimental seminal plasma using a Percoll gradient or a "swim­up" technique. Our laboratory will perform this procedure for the waiting couple who can then transport the specimen to their physician who performs the AI in the office.

Specimens are accepted Monday to Friday, by appointment only. Processing time is 2 hours. Results are available to the physician the same day. 

Sperm Bank

Sperm banking and long­term storage facilities are provided at the University Andrology Laboratory. Men may require storage of sperm samples prior to vasectomy or potentially sterilizing therapy for cancer. This service is available daily (Monday to Friday). The laboratory works directly with the depositor. A brochure is available upon request with instructions and costs. Samples can subsequently be picked up or shipped to the physician's office for use with artificial insemination at a later date. 

OverNiteMale™ Kit

Patients who have difficulty traveling to one of our offices to produce a sample on site can now produce at home and Federal Express® their specimen(s) directly to the University Andrology Laboratory using our OverNiteMale™ Kit. Semen samples are protected during shipment by a buffer media which protects the sperm. This process ensures the safe delivery of your specimen(s) to our laboratory for cryopreservation or testing.

Service Fees and Scheduling Information