Pacific NW Fertility offers a full range of semen testing for the male partner, as well as the preparation of semen for insemination at our Seattle clinic or with your own outside provider. Most of our lab tests require orders, and results are sent back to the physician that ordered the test.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call: 206-515-0002 or email: mnelson@pnwfertility.com

Seminal Fluid Analysis (SA)

A seminal fluid analysis is one of the first diagnostic assays in the assessment of male fertility potential. This test includes:

• determination of sperm concentration (millions/ml)
• percent motility
• speed and forward progression of motile sperm
• morphological analysis of normal vs. abnormal sperm (Krueger Strict)
• identification and percent of abnormal forms
• white blood cells and non-tailed forms (immature sperm) are identified with differential staining
• seminal pH
• presence or absence of agglutination 
• viscosity 

Sperm Penetration Assay (SPA)

The sperm penetration assay can assess the ability of the male to potentially penetrate and activate an egg. The patient’s sperm is exposed to treated hamster eggs after a period of cold capacitation, and the capacitation index (or average number of sperm penetrating each egg) is reported. This can be an additional test when the seminal fluid analysis is normal.

Immunobead Test (IMB)

This test is performed on blood serum, seminal fluids, or sperm and may detect sperm directed antibodies that could interfere with sperm transport or sperm-egg fusion. IgA and IgG antibodies are measured. IgM antibodies are not present in the reproductive tract. This test is useful in cases of idiopathic infertility, as well as vasecectomy reversal or trauma/surgery in the groin area in the male partner.

Sperm Separation For Intrauterine Insemination (Density Gradient)

This procedure isolates motile sperm from immotile sperm and other components in the seminal plasma, including most bacteria and white blood cells. It also may be used to prepare retrograde ejaculated sperm for intrauterine insemination.

Sperm Cryopreservation (SC)
Sperm cryopreservation (freezing) may be done for several reasons: cancer patients preparing to undergo radiation or chemotherapy, which potentially destroy sperm production, patients who are electing to have a vasectomy but wish to have sperm stored, and patients who are expecting to be unavailable at the time of insemination and wish to store sperm for their partner’s use.

Cryostorage of Anonymous Donor Sperm
Donor sperm cryopreserved at another facility may be brought in and stored at Pacific NW Fertility with appropriate documentation of testing and a storage contract is signed by the patient.  Known donor sperm may also be frozen and stored after appropriate disease testing, consents, and quarantine.