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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 81641:
Semen Analysis

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Semen is composed of spermatozoa suspended in seminal fluid (plasma). The function of the seminal fluid is to provide nutrition and volume for conveying the spermatozoa to the endocervical mucus.

 

Male infertility can be affected by a number of causes. Chief among these is a decrease in the number of viable sperm. Other causes include sperm with abnormal morphology and abnormalities of the seminal fluid.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Determining male fertility status

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

See Reference Values.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Semen specimens can vary widely in the same man from specimen to specimen. Semen parameters falling outside of the normal ranges do not preclude fertility for that individual.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Appearance: normal               

Volume: > or =1.5 mL                   

pH: > or =7.2                           

Motile/mL: > or =6.0 x 10(6)          

Sperm/mL: > or =15.0 x 10(6)        

Motility: > or =40%                   

Grade: > or =2.5     

Motile/ejaculate: > or =9.0 x 10(6)

Viscosity: > or =3.0

Agglutination: > or =3.0

Supravital: > or =58% live

Fructose: positive

Note: Fructose testing cannot be performed on semen analysis specimens shipped through Mayo Medical Laboratories. If patient is azoospermic, refer to FROS/81164 Fructose, Semen or Seminal Plasma. Submit separate specimen to rule out ejaculatory duct blockage. Positive result indicates no blockage.