Spermatozoa, Post-Vasectomy

This test looks at a semen sample under a microscope to see whether any sperm are present. It is the check done after a vasectomy. The result is qualitative: it describes whether sperm were seen, not a sperm count.

The American Urological Association recommends waiting 8 to 16 weeks after the vasectomy before the first sample. Do not ejaculate for 2 to 7 days before collecting it, or follow your doctor's directions.

Collect at least 1 mL of semen by masturbation into a sterile wide-mouth plastic container, not a condom, and note the date and time of collection. Keep it at room temperature and bring it to a Quest patient service center as soon as possible. A sample that is more than 48 hours old, contaminated, or collected in a condom cannot be tested. Quest asks patients to check with their local lab before dropping a sample off.