Patient FAQs ~ Investigations
People often have the same concerns about their condition and treatment, as such we have attempted to answer the most commonly asked questions. There may also be answers to questions that you did not yet think about. The list below contains pdf documents which answer frequently asked questions by patients with urological issues.
Semen Collection
It is extremely important for an accurate result that you endeavour to follow these instructions to the best of your ability.
- Please contact you nearest pathology collection centre to arrange the best time and place to deliver the specimen. The specimen must reach a pathology collection centre as soon after the collection as possible (no longer than one hour).
- Obtain a sterile labelled plastic seminal fluid collection container from the pathology collection centre. No other container will suffice.
- The specimen must be collected between three and seven days after the last ejaculation (including sexual intercourse, masturbation or night loss). Record the number of days since the last ejaculation in the space provided on the specimen label.
- Empty your bladder, then wash your hands and penis before collection.
- Collect the specimen by masturbation, ejaculating directly into the container provided. Under no circumstances use condoms or lubricants of any sort.
- Intercourse followed by early withdrawal is not to be used as this will result in contamination with female cells and often loss of the richest part of the semen specimen, leading to an inaccurate result.
- Screw the lid of the jar on tightly and complete all the details on the label.
- Keep the specimen at body temperature (in your pocket close to your body).
- Deliver the specimen to a clinic as soon as possible (within one hour).
- Do not refrigerate or allow the specimen to rise above body temperature.