We have changed the way we are able to accept semen samples for analysis. You will need to be referred electronically by your GP in the first instance. Your GP will provide you with instructions as to how to book an appointment. Once an appointment has been made you will be asked to either drop off your sample (at the given time) or to produce your sample onsite using one of our private rooms. We do not have a drop-off service and will not be unable to accept samples from patients with no appointment. It is the responsibility of the patient to book an appointment with the laboratory.
Update 03/10/2023: Please note that the current waiting time for a semen analysis may be up to 12 weeks from the time you contact the laboratory.
New Referrals
Before you and your partner can be referred to the fertility clinic, your GP will arrange for any necessary tests. This includes a semen analysis. We carry out diagnostic semen analyses for patients living in, and registered with, NHS Lothian or Borders GPs.
Your GP will provide you with the new Semen Analysis Laboratory Form along with a specimen pot and sample bag. The specimen pot you are given should be pre-weighed and tested to ensure the plastic is not toxic to the sperm. There is information on the back of the laboratory form and we ask that you phone us at least 2 working days after the referral to book your appointment. Please arrive on time for your appointment; if you are late we may not be able to accept your sample.
If your partner is being referred via their NHS Lothian / Borders GP and you are not registered with an NHS Lothian or Borders GP, you will need to arrange for your semen analysis in your own health board area.
We also accept referrals for semen analyses from Spire Edinburgh Hospital.
Type of Analyses
Diagnostic Semen Analysis
You may be asked to provide a sample as part of routine fertility investigations before being referred to the fertility clinic, or to determine the success of a vasectomy reversal.
Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis
This will help your doctor to assess if your vasectomy has been successful. We carry out confirmatory testing if your first sample analysed by the Pathology Department was shown to contain sperm.
Retrograde Urine Analysis
Retrograde ejaculation is a condition where semen passes backwards into the bladder instead of passing down the urethra and out. Some patients may be able to produce semen, others may not. We look for sperm in any semen produced as well and a post-orgasmic urine sample.
Clinical Follow-Up Semen Analysis
If you were referred to us for sperm freezing and storage before starting a medical treatment (eg. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, specific drug treatments) or undergoing a medical procedure that was likely to cause premature infertility, we recommend a follow-up analysis at least 1 year after that treatment or procedure.
Information for NHS Lothian and Borders GPs
- Please ensure eReferrals are completed via SCI Gateway:
Within the New Referral, send to “Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France” then select “Fertility – Semen Analysis” - Provide the patient with the current version of the Semen Analysis Laboratory Form, weighed specimen pot and a sample bag (we toxicity test the pots we send you to ensure the plastics are not harmful to sperm).
- Ask the patient to wait at least 2 working days before contacting us to book an appointment for semen analysis.
Information for Hospital/Chalmers Clinicians (NHS Lothian/Borders) and Spire Edinburgh Hospital
We understand that you won’t be able to refer patients via SCI Gateway. Please complete and send us the Semen Analysis Referral Form (see Document Library at the bottom of this page) and follow steps 2 and 3 above.
Semen Analysis Laboratory Form
Please attach patient and GP labels in the spaces provided. Please ensure page 2 is printed as this contains information for patients. The form can be found on RefHelp.
Results
We aim to issue the semen analysis results to the referring GP/clinician within 7 days. Results are immediately available electronically on SCI Store/TrakCare and we also post a paper copy. If you have not received your patient’s results, please contact us.
Please note that laboratory staff do not provide results directly to patients.
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.
Ordering more specimen pots
To order more pots and sample bags, please contact us on 0131 242 2463. We ask that you store these separately to sputum pots which can look similar. The andrology pots are pre-weighed and toxicity tested.
Self-funded semen analysis
When a diagnostic semen analysis is self-funded, it is up the medical practice to invoice the patient. The current price is £150. This fee may be subject to change.
Document Library for Referrals
(Only for referrals from NHS Lothian and Borders hospitals, Chalmers Centre and Spire Murrayfield)
