Related tests: antibiogram
Clinical significance
Semen is made up of seminal plasma in which the sperm are suspended.
It is produced by secretions from the seminal vesicles and the prostate.
Culture can often isolate and identify the microorganisms responsible for genital tract infections (orchiepididymitis, deferentitis, seminal vesiculitis, prostatitis). The most significant pathogens are N. gonorrhoeae (gonococcus), Chlamydia, Mycoplasma and Enterobacteria. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are tested for routinely; gonococcus, mycoplasma and Chlamydia are tested for on specific request.
Clinical indications
Genital tract infections
Sample type
Semen
Preparation
Unless your doctor specifically requests otherwise, it is advisable not to have the test while taking antibiotics. Allow at least 15 days after the last dose of antibiotic. The Stamey test cannot be carried out at the same time: allow at least 5 days between the two tests. If requested together with a urethral discharge culture, always have the urethral swab first. If requested together with semen analysis, the sample must be collected at the centre and you must abstain from sexual intercourse for at least 48 hours before the test.
Before starting the collection, pass urine to flush out any bacteria in the urethra. To avoid contamination by the normal bacterial flora of the urethral opening, the collection must be preceded by careful washing of the area around the urethra and of the hands.
Notes
The sample can also be collected at home, provided it reaches the microbiology section of the laboratory within 2 hours of collection.