Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Urine sample provided post orgasm.

Minimum volume required

• There is no minimum volume requirement, provided that one complete ejaculate is collected. The sample volume will be measured upon receipt in the laboratory.

Special requirements

• A toxicity-tested specimen container must be provided by the laboratory ONLY. • Containers not supplied by the laboratory will be rejected.

Patient preparation

• Patients should contact their doctor to discuss the possibility of being prescribed an alkalinising agent, such as sodium bicarbonate prior to the test. Patients are advised to follow the instructions from their doctor on how to take the sodium bicarbonate prior to their appointment. • A period of 2–7 days of sexual abstinence (sexual intercourse or masturbation) is recommended prior to sample production. • Only containers supplied by the laboratory may be used for sample collection. • Patients must verify their personal details on the labelled sample container. • The patient is first asked to partially empty their bladder using the toilet facilities available in the production room and then asked to masturbate until the point of orgasm. • Patients should ensure the entire ejaculate is collected into the container labelled semen. • Only one ejaculate is required per analysis. • The patient must then collect a urine sample into the collection container labelled urine. They must have the sensation of reaching orgasm before they proceed to collect the urine sample. • On-site sample production ONLY. • Lubricants must not be used unless provided by the laboratory. • A questionnaire will be provided for patients to record sample details, including the date and time of production.

Sample viability

N/A

Turnaround time

• Results are available within 7 days.

Reference range

• Reference ranges (including units) will be included in the patient’s report.

Clinical guidance

Retrograde ejaculation testing involves analysis of a post-orgasm urine sample, with additional evaluation of a semen sample performed in accordance with standard diagnostic semen analysis criteria. In cases where a semen sample is not produced, assessment is based on the urine sample alone.

Notes

• A semen container will also be provided to the patient to collect semen if produced. The sample will then be analysed as per Diagnostic Semen Analysis testing.