Information for patients and visitors
Semen Analysis
Pathology / Andrology
Path Links (Trustwide)
This leaflet has been designed to
give you important information
about your condition / procedure,
and to answer some common
queries that you may have.
Information for patients and visitors
Introduction
Why am I having this test?
This fact sheet has been produced to provide
information for people who need semen
analysis. In addition, the leaflet explains how
to make an appointment and the collection
and delivery requirements for semen
samples. Contact details and opening times
for the laboratories are also included.
Approximately 1 in 6 couples have difficulty
in conceiving. Fertility investigations are
carried out for both partners in order to give
us as much information as possible. Male
fertility may change due to age, illness or a
change in lifestyle so even if you have
previously fathered children it is still
important to have this assessment.
Benefits
The benefit of doing this test is that it will
provide your doctor with important results
which will help with diagnosis and / or
treatment.
Risks
How do I book an appointment?
Appointments to bring your sample in are
available for booking at Boston, Grimsby,
Lincoln, and Scunthorpe hospitals. (Please
see later page for days / times and contact
details for each site).
Keep the sample warm by carrying it under
clothing / in trouser pocket etc.
Please Note: There is a waiting list for
appointments so it is important to contact the
Andrology department as soon as you can.
You can have your sample assessed at any
of the above sites. If you do not need your
appointment or cannot attend please let us
know. On-site facilities for production of
samples are available at both Boston and
Grimsby Hospitals. Please inform the staff
when making your appointment if you require
these facilities.
The sample MUST be delivered to the
laboratory within one hour of production.
How can I get more information?
When you arrive at the Pathology
Department ask to speak to the Receptionist.
Do not leave your sample with anyone other
than the laboratory staff.
If you need information regarding
appointments or collection of your sample
please contact us. For all other queries
please contact your GP / Consultant.
It is important that you answer the four
questions on the request form before
handing over your sample and form. If you
are unsure please ask a member of staff.
How do I collect the sample?
Not applicable.
Alternatives
There are no alternative tests that could be
used to the one that you have been asked to
undertake.
Bringing Your Sample for Analysis
Sample Container
You should have been provided with a
sterile, toxicity tested container in which to
collect your sample. If a container has not
been provided please contact your GP. Use
only this container – it has been especially
Information for patients and visitors
tested for this purpose. Samples received in
any other container will not be assessed.
Request forms
Your request form must be given to the
laboratory staff when you bring your sample
in. We regret that we cannot process any
samples without a request form. Please
check on your form that your GP or other
doctor has signed it and that all your details
are correct.
Once the sample has been collected seal the
container lid tightly – leaking samples will not
be processed. Please write your full name,
date of birth, date and time of production and
the GP or Consultant who is requesting the
investigation on your sample container.
Contact Details for Appointments
and Open Times
Day / Time
Fertility
samples
Can my partner bring my sample?
Yes, provided your partner can answer the
required questions on the form. They also
must be able to answer questions regarding
your general health record (e.g. whether you
are on any medication? Have you recently
been ill?).
Boston
Grantham
Goole
How do I get my results?
Please contact your GP or the Consultant in
charge of the clinic that you’ve attended for
your results. We aim to have them available
within 5 working days.
Grimsby &
Louth
Lincoln
Collecting your sample
You should refrain from ejaculation (including
intercourse and masturbation) for two to
three days prior to providing a sample, but
for no longer than 7 days.
Scunthorpe
Gainsborough
You must be hygienic; wash your hands and
genital area beforehand.
The sample must be produced by
masturbation directly into the container
provided. DO NOT use condoms or
lubricants as they will affect the results.
You must collect the whole sample. If a part
of the sample is missed please inform the
laboratory staff when you attend your
appointment.
Monday,
Tuesday and
Fridays. 09.00
– 10.30
See Boston or
Lincoln details
Tuesday only,
08.30 – 09.00
Monday,
Thursday and
Fridays. 09.00
– 10.30
Wednesday
and
Thursdays
only, 09.00
Tuesday and
Wednesdays
only, 08.00 –
09:00
See Boston
or
Scunthorpe
details
Louth
See Grimsby
details
Telephone
for
appointment
s or
enquiries
01205
446314
01205
446314
01724
290005
01472
874111
Ext 7543
01205
446314
01724
290005
01205
446314
01724
290005
01472
874111
Ext 7543
Information for patients and visitors
Concerns and Queries
We are continually trying to improve our
service. If you have a suggestion or should
you wish to comment on this service please
contact:
Mrs C Jagger, Consultant Biochemist
Pathology Department
Lincoln County Hospital
Greetwell Road
Lincoln
Lincs LN2 5QY
If you have any concerns / queries about any
of the services offered by the Trust, in the
first instance, please speak to the person
providing your care.
professionals from whom you have been
receiving care) or if the law requires it, for
example, to notify a birth.
Please be assured however that anyone who
receives information from us is also under a
legal duty to keep it confidential.
Zero Tolerance - Violent,
Threatening and Abusive Behaviour
The Trust and its staff are committed to
providing high quality care to patients within
the department. However, we wish to advise
all patients / visitors that the following
inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated:

Swearing
For Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital

Threatening / abusive behaviour
Alternatively you can contact the Patient
Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on
(01472) 875403 or at the PALS office which
is situated near the main entrance.

Verbal / physical abuse
For Scunthorpe General Hospital
The Trust reserves the right to withdraw from
treating patients whom are threatening /
abusive / violent and ensuring the removal of
those persons from the premises.
Alternatively you can contact the Patient
Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on
(01724) 290132 or at the PALS office which
situated on C Floor.
All acts of criminal violence and aggression
will be notified to the Police immediately.
Alternatively you can email:
[email protected]
The Trust welcomes comments and
suggestions from patients and visitors that
could help to reduce risk.
Confidentiality
Information on NHS patients is collected in a
variety of ways and for a variety of reasons
(e.g. providing care and treatment, managing
and planning the NHS, training and
educating staff, research etc.).
Everyone working for the NHS has a legal
duty to keep information about you
confidential. Information will only ever be
shared with people who have a genuine
need for it (e.g. your GP or other
Risk Management Strategy
Perhaps you have experienced something
whilst in hospital, whilst attending as an
outpatient or as a visitor and you felt at risk.
Please tell a member of staff on the ward or
in the department you are attending / visiting.
Moving & Handling
The Trust operates a Minimal Lifting Policy,
which in essence means patients are only
Information for patients and visitors
ever lifted by nursing staff in an emergency
situation.
Patients are always encouraged to help
themselves as much as possible when
mobilising, and if unable to do so, equipment
may be used to assist in their safe transfer.
If you have any questions regarding moving
and handling of patients within the Trust,
please speak to a member of staff in the
ward or department you are visiting.
Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS
Foundation Trust
Diana Princess of Wales Hospital
Scartho Road
Grimsby
01472 874111
Scunthorpe General Hospital
Cliff Gardens
Scunthorpe
01724 282282
Goole & District Hospital
Woodland Avenue
Goole
01405 720720
www.nlg.nhs.uk
Date of issue: September, 2015
Review Period: September, 2018
Author: Path Links – Andrology
IFP-878
© NLGFT 2015