Semen Analysis. Information for patients and visitors. Pathology / Andrology Path Links (Trustwide)

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1 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.

2 Introduction 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. 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 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 Keep the sample warm by carrying it under clothing / in trouser pocket etc. The sample MUST be delivered to the laboratory within one hour of production. 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. 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. Why am I having this test? 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. How do I book an appointment? Appointments to bring your sample in are available for booking at Boston, Grimsby, Lincoln, and hospitals. (Please see later page for days / times and contact details for each site). 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. How can I get more information? If you need information regarding appointments or collection of your sample please contact us. For all other queries please contact your GP / Consultant. How do I collect the sample? 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

3 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. 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?). 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. 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. 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. 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 Boston Grantham Goole Grimsby & Louth Lincoln Gainsborough Louth Day / Time Fertility samples Monday, Tuesday and Fridays See Boston or Lincoln details Tuesday only, Monday, Thursday and Fridays Wednesday and Thursdays only, Tuesday and Wednesdays only, :00 See Boston or details See Grimsby details Telephone for appointment s or enquiries Ext Ext 7543

4 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. For Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital Alternatively you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on (01472) or at the PALS office which is situated near the main entrance. For General Hospital Alternatively you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on () or at the PALS office which situated on C Floor. Alternatively you can nlg-tr.pals@nhs.net 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 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 Threatening / abusive behaviour Verbal / physical abuse 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. All acts of criminal violence and aggression will be notified to the Police immediately. Risk Management Strategy The Trust welcomes comments and suggestions from patients and visitors that could help to reduce risk. 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

5 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 General Hospital Cliff Gardens Goole & District Hospital Woodland Avenue Goole Date of issue: September, 2015 Review Period: September, 2018 Author: Path Links Andrology IFP-878 NLGFT 2015