Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis
CPT Code(s):
89321
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Semen
Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL
Transport Container:
Sterile Cup
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Collect entire ejaculate in sterile cup. NOTE: Patient should remain sexually abstinent for 2-7 days before collecting sample
Rejection Criteria:
Improper labeling, specimen older than 1 hour, extreme change in specimen temperature.
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
1 hour
Refrigerated:
Unacceptable
Frozen:
Unacceptable
Clinical Significance
The Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis is a clinically significant and diagnostically useful laboratory performed on patients who have undergone a vasectomy. It is used to assess the success of the vasectomy procedure by confirming the absence of sperm in the ejaculate.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of the Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis include:
1. Confirmation of Vasectomy Success: The primary purpose of this test is to confirm that the vasectomy procedure has successfully obstructed or severed the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. A negative result, indicating the absence of sperm in the semen sample, confirms the effectiveness of the vasectomy in preventing pregnancy.
2. Family Planning: The Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis is crucial for couples who have opted for a vasectomy as a form of permanent contraception. It provides peace of mind for couples in ensuring the effectiveness of the procedure and eliminating the need for other contraceptive methods.
3. Timing of Sexual Activity: The test helps guide patients in determining when it is safe to engage in unprotected sexual activity following a vasectomy. It typically involves multiple semen samples collected at specific intervals after the procedure to ensure that sperm count decreases to a negligible level.
4. Preventing Unplanned Pregnancies: Until the absence of sperm is confirmed through the Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis test, patients are advised to continue using alternative contraceptive methods. This test serves as an essential tool for preventing unplanned pregnancies during the post-vasectomy period.
5. Follow-up Monitoring: In some cases, the Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis may be repeated at specific intervals as part of follow-up care to ensure that sperm count remains consistently low or undetectable over time. This monitoring helps identify any rare cases of spontaneous reconnection or failure of the initial procedure.
6. Patient Counseling and Education: The test provides an opportunity for healthcare providers to educate patients on the importance of complying with post-vasectomy instructions and the significance of the semen analysis results. It helps patients understand the necessary precautions and steps to take for successful contraception.
In summary, the Post-Vasectomy Semen Analysis is essential in confirming the success of a vasectomy procedure and ensuring effective contraception. It provides reassurance to couples seeking permanent contraception by confirming the absence of sperm in the ejaculate. This test allows patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding sexual activity and provides an opportunity for counseling and education on post-vasectomy care. It plays a crucial role in family planning and preventing unplanned pregnancies, providing peace of mind to couples who have undergone a vasectomy.