Semen Analysis

Information

Before arranging a semen analysis for fertility investigations, the GP needs to send a SCI Gateway request to the Edinburgh Fertility Centre at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (Fertility – Semen Analysis). There is now an appointment system for submitting samples (see How to Refer below). Where the semen analysis is for an infertility assessment, the GP is asked to confirm that the man has given consent to share his details (name / DOB/ address) in his partner’s SCI Gateway referral to the Edinburgh Fertility Centre.

Please see Edinburgh Fertility Centre: Male Fertility Investigations for further information, including costs for private tests. Information relevant for referring GPs and clinicians is in the grey boxes, making it easier to source specific information.

Arranging Semen Analysis

For infertility investigations, patients require one semen analysis: if any of the results are abnormal, a second sample will need to be arranged. A repeat sample may be advised if patient compliance could have resulted in an abnormal result (eg. inadequate abstinence period, time between producing the sample and its arriving at the lab, not collecting the entire sample etc). In that instance a new SCI Gateway referral is NOT required, but the patient simply told of the results and provided with a new pot and form. Instructions for the patient for booking an appointment are on the back of the form. 

The RIE laboratory does not carry out the initial analysis for post-vasectomy samples, but only the confirmatory analysis if sperm have previously been seen. The vasectomy services normally arrange this testing: Vasectomy (nhslothian.scot).

Repeat Analysis

If a repeat analysis has been suggested, please provide your patient with a new form and pot and ask that they contact us for an appointment. There is no need to complete another SCI Gateway referral for these repeat semen analyses

Funding

Analysis will usually be NHS-funded, examples including routine fertility investigations with the man’s partner in preparation for referral to the Edinburgh Fertility Centre or as follow-up after chemotherapy. However, some patients may wish to have a semen analysis out of personal interest, in which case this would be self-funded. In this case, it is up to the medical practice to invoice the patient accordingly. The cost for this is on the service’s Male Fertility Investigations webpage.

For further information please see Guidelines for Users of the Reproductive Medicine Laboratory.