Pre‐procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.Show
   Introduce yourself to the patient, explain and discuss the procedure with them, and gain their consent to proceed. Give clear, comprehensive written and verbal instructions.
   To ensure that the patient feels at ease, understands the procedure and gives their valid consent (NMC [165], C).
2. 2.Show
   Instruct the patient not to ejaculate for 2 to 3 days prior to the procedure.
   To ensure the sperm count will be at maximum levels (Keogh [114], E; Pagana and Pagana [177], E).
3. 3.Show
   Discourage abstinence for no more than 7 days prior to specimen collection.
   To ensure the sperm count and quality will be at maximum levels (WHO [258], C; Keogh [114], Pagana and Pagana [177], E).
4. 4.Show
   Instruct the patient to report any loss of any part of the sample during collection
   To ensure accurate results are obtained (WHO [258], C).
5. 5.Show
   Ensure the patient has a private room near to the laboratory.
   To ensure privacy for the patient. E

   To limit fluctuations in temperature of the semen (WHO [258], C).
6. 6.Show
   Give the patient a specimen container.
   To ensure the specimen is not contaminated and can be transported to the laboratory (Chernecky and Berger [32], E).

Procedure

1. 7.Show
   Instruct the patient to only open the lid prior to ejaculation and replace it immediately after collection.
   To minimize microbiological contamination (Brinsden [22], E).
2. 8.Show
   A fresh masturbated specimen must be collected in a sterile container.
   To ensure the optimum sample is obtained (Chernecky and Berger [32], E).

Post‐procedure

1. 9.Show
   Complete the specimen form and label the specimen container (including relevant information such as date and time of collection and date of previous semen emission).
   To maintain accurate records and provide accurate information for laboratory analysis (NMC [165], C; Pagana and Pagana [177], E).
2. 10.Show
   Specimens must be transported to the laboratory as quickly as possible (within 1 hour of collection) and analysed within 3 hours.
   To ensure a sample of optimum quality is obtained (Chernecky and Berger [32], E; Pagana and Pagana [177], E).
3. 11.Show
   Keep the specimen between 25°C and 37°C in a laboratory incubator.
   To ensure a sample of optimum quality is obtained (Brinsden [22], E).
4. 12.Show
   Document the procedure in the patient's records.
   To ensure timely and accurate record keeping (NMC [165], C).