Semen Analysis (Diagnostic)
Typically, semen consists of a mixture of secretions from several glands within the male genital tract. Only a small (~5 %) volume of the final ejaculate originates from the testis, within which spermatogenesis occurs. Male gametes (sperm) produced within the testis are necessary for a couple to conceive (achieve a pregnancy) and their presence is a determinant characteristic for the assessment of overall fertility status
Investigation of infertility or sub-fertility.
Semen analysis lower reference limits (95% confidence interval) for semen characteristics are taken from the World Health Organisation (WHO) Laboratory Manual for the examination and processing of human semen 6th Edition 2021.
Volume 1.4 (mL)
Sperm concentration 16.0 (10*6/mL)
Total sperm number 39 (10*6 per ejaculate)
Total motility 42 (%)
Progressive motility 30 (%)
Non-progressive motility 1 (%)
Immotile 20 (%)
Morphology 4 (% Normal forms)
* Sperm Vitality 54 (% live)
* PLEASE NOTE: the laboratory is not UKAS accredited for this test
Specimens must be collected in a toxicity-tested container provided by the Andrology laboratory.
The Andrology department has 3 on site production rooms in which samples can be produced. Producing your sample in our department allows us to process your sample quickly (it should be tested within 60 minutes of production) and minimises the risk of certain effects on your sample e.g. delay in getting your sample to us or sample be subjected to fluctuations in temperature which will affect results.
The Andrology department operates an appointments system for diagnostic testing with appointments available between 09.30am and 13.30 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
This test is not currently accredited
Record last updated
August 27, 2025
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Test Results
Yes, we have a Pathology User Guide
Yes. Please email your request to Imperial.nwlpcustomerservice@nhs.net
Results are communicated to clinical staff and are normally not communicated direct to patients either on telephone requests or in written report. If you need to contact us please click here to view the contact details page
Please contact the Customer Service Team Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 6:00pm on 0203 313 5353. Alternatively, see the Pathology User Guide for how to contact the relevant department. If advice is not urgent you can also email your query to Imperial.nwlpcustomerservice@nhs.net
Additional tests may be added by discussion with the relevant laboratory. The time limit for adding additional tests to a sample already received in the laboratory will depend on the type of sample and the department it was sent to.
Information on the repertoire of tests performed by pathology, including reference ranges, turnaround times and specimen requirements, can be found in the test directory.
Phlebotomy services are not managed by NWLP. For further information please see:
Imperial College Healthcare Trust Phlebotomy services
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Phlebotomy services
NWLP operates UKAS accredited medical laboratories as per the references below. The current scope of accreditation for all NWLP’s laboratories can be found on the UKAS website.
See the following UKAS ref numbers:
- Clinical Biochemistry Ref: 8673
- Haematology and Blood Transfusion Ref: 8674
- Infection & Immunity Sciences (Including Immunology, Virology, Microbiology and Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics ) Ref: 8659
- Cellular Pathology (Including Histopathology, Cytology and Molecular Pathology) Ref: 9615
If you require copies of our certificate of accreditation and associated documentation please contact Imperial.nwlpcustomerservice@nhs.net.
UKAS requires the laboratories to be accredited for a particular repertoire/scope (ISO15189), any changes or additions to repertoire require assessment by UKAS (extension to scope).
The BD Hospital Tube Guide, BD GP Tube Guide and BD Paediatric Tube Guide provide visual references to the correct tube types and collection instructions.
Home testing
INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR BLOOD SAMPLE COLLECTION
We also have two instruction videos available (one with subtitles and one without) – please click on the links to view the videos on Google.
Our accreditations
Upholding excellence in diagnostic standards
Our laboratories are accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) against the international standard ISO15189:2022. UKAS is the accreditation body for the UK that assesses medical laboratories.
Find out more about our accreditations on the UKAS website.
UKAS website