1. You should have a toxicity tested specimen container and pathology request form for each sample. You MUST complete the form with the date and time of sample collection and if the entire sample was collected
1. The container provided MUST be labelled with your FULL NAME, DOB and the DATE and TIME of collection. Unlabelled specimens will not be accepted, so please make sure that the specimen is clearly identified.
2. It is best to abstain from intercourse for 2 – 7 days before producing a specimen. The specimen should ideally be collected in the morning and kept as close to body temperature as possible during transport. – Do NOT refrigerate.
3. The semen must be passed directly into the container provided. It must be collected by hand ONLY. Do not use lubricants or condoms as they will kill sperm. The complete sample must be submitted.
4. After collection, replace the screw cap firmly on the container.
5. The specimen should arrive labelled in the laboratory as soon as possible after production, preferably within 4 hours, together with the pathology request form (specimens are not accepted on Saturdays or Sundays).
**If your GP has requested that you bring a sample to the laboratory within 1 hour of production, please contact pathology reception on (01392 402913) and inform them of the expected date and time of specimen delivery**
6. Deliver the specimen and completed request form to the:
Cytology Department
Pathology Block
Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Church Lane
Exeter,
EX2 5AD
(Directions below)
Please deliver the sample and request form to the Pathology Reception main entrance. Do not post the specimen.
The results of your test will be sent to your doctor.
The Laboratory aims to comply with The royal College of Pathologists Key performance Indicator (KPI 6.4) for Cellular Pathology reporting turnaround times with 90% of all cases reported within 10 calendar days.
The Laboratory Limit of Detection (LOD) for spermatozoa is available – please contact the laboratory.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Travelling along Barrack Road From Topsham Road, go through the traffic lights, pass the hospital main entrance on your right, pass a second entrance to the hospital on the right, and then take the next right turning into Church Lane.
2. Take the 2nd right turn into the hospital grounds. The Pathology building is the concrete grey 4-storey building on the far left.
OR
Approaching from the city centre, from Heavitree Road turn right at the traffic lights into Barrack Road, go through the next traffic lights and take the next left into Church Lane. (Then see “2” above)
Specimen Labelling Procedure
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