A period of 3 days, but not more than 5 days abstinence (i.e. no ejaculation) is recommended prior to the test day. A sterile cup is required, which can be obtained from us, or from any pharmacy.
Prior to semen collection please make sure your hands and penis are clean and free of lubricants, powders, soaps, or other foreign materials. All of these items may be toxic to sperm. If you require a lubricant, please notify the CFA embryology laboratory and we will provide you with one.
On-Site Collection (preferred)
If you are producing the sample at the laboratory, you (and, if you wish, your partner) can use one of our private collection rooms. When you have finished collecting the specimen, simply turn ON the switch, which will signal a lamp in the laboratory, and the sample will be retrieved and immediately processed.
If you wish to know the quality of the specimen, this information may be obtained from CFA staff approximately one hour after collection.
Off-Site
Though it is preferable that the sample be collected at the CFA laboratory, if necessary it may be collected at home.
You may only use a specimen cup provided by the CFA staff, and the sample must be produced directly into that cup. You must be able to get it to the laboratory within one hour. You must keep the specimen as close to body temperature as possible during transit. If the temperature in your car is cool, place the specimen under your clothing.
When you arrive, please sign in immediately at the desk (Suite 305) or ring the bell. Please do not sit and wait in the waiting room.
