Samples collection
The samples must be collected at home and not when you come into the hospital as there are no collection facilities at the pathology laboratories
Sample collection guidance
Post vasectomy specimens
- Sample collection
- Collection the sample by masturbation.
- Avoid the use of condoms.
- The whole sample should be collected directly into the container provided. Ensure that the lid of the container is tightly in place.
- The laboratory will not examine the sample if part of the sample has leaked.
- Sample labelling
- The sample container must be labelled with your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Date and time the sample was produced
- Your doctor should have given you an andrology form for you to complete and hand in along with your sample.
- The andrology request form should be completed with your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Date and time the sample was produced
- The sample container must be labelled with your:
- Delivery of sample
- Specimens must be taken to the pathology department at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough or the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton as soon as possible after collection (within 4 hours).
- Details of the pathology department opening times can be found below.
Infertility investigations and vasectomy reversal
- Period of abstinence
- Please try to avoid ejaculation for between two and six days prior to providing a sample. This is because it takes approximately two days for the semen to return to normal after ejaculation, and the semen will begin to deteriorate again is more than six days elapse without ejaculation.
- The period of abstinence should be noted on the andrology request form.
- Sample collection
- Wash your hands and genitals with unperfumed soap and water.
- Rinse of all soap with clear water and dry thoroughly.
- Produce the sample into the sterile container by masturbation, taking care to collect the whole ejaculate. A condom or lubricant jellies must not be used.
- The whole sample should be collected directly into the container provided. If any of the sample is last make a note on the request form of approximate amount lost.
- Ensure that the lid of the container is tightly in place; the laboratory will not eamine the sample if part of the sample has leaked out.
- Sample labelling
- The sample container must be labelled with your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Date and time the sample was produced
- Your doctor should have given you an andrology form for you to complete and hand in along with your sample.
- The andrology request form should be completed with your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Date and time the sample was produced
- The sample container must be labelled with your:
- Delivery of sample
- Specimens must be taken to the pathology department at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough or the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton as soon as possible after collection (ideally within 1 hour). The activity of the sperm will deteriorate rapidly after this time.
- Details of the pathology department opening times can be found below.
- Samples must be kept at body temperature during transport, for example, kept in an inside pocket.
Laboratory opening times
Please note there is no cellular pathology testing service on a Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday.
James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough
Semen samples for infertility, post vasectomy and vasectomy reversal investigations samples are accepted at the pathology department between 9.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday only.
Friarage Hospital, Northallerton
Semen samples for infertility, post vasectomy and vasectomy reversal investigations samples are accepted at the pathology department between 9.00am and 3.00pm, Monday to Friday only.
Appointments may be made outside these hours in exceptional circumstances by contacting James Cook University Hospital on 01642 835823.