Laboratory Services

Andrology

Andrology is the science of the male reproductive system. In the laboratory the scientist examines and evaluates semen production including:

the volume of semen produced

the number of sperm in an ejaculate

the number of viable sperm

the number of anatomically normal sperm

 The laboratory also assesses immunity to sperm. Tests can be carried out on semen samples to identify antibodies to sperm, which if present ,can affect fertility.

The laboratory is  also responsible for the maintenance of a sperm bank:

enabling couples/and individuals access to donor sperm

enabling males about to undergo treatment which may affect their own future fertility

the opportunity to store frozen sperm which can be accessed at a later stage.

Embryology

Embryology is the science of the growth and development of an embryo. In the laboratory, the Embryologist is responsible for:

the identification and collection of oocytes from follicular fluid

the preparation of oocytes and sperm for the purpose of fertilisation

assessment of fertilisation and culture of embryos in vitro

assessment and selection of embryos for suitability for transfer to the uterus and/or cryopreservation.