Module information
Module details
- Title
- Diagnostic Semen Analysis and Sample Preparation
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-RA-S2
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 2
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
In this module trainees will undertake basic diagnostic techniques to assess a semen sample against WHO normal parameters, interpret results and provide this information to both patients and healthcare professionals. Trainees will participate in quality management and IQC, learning how it impacts upon assurance of all those involved with a service.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1 |
Training activities
Discuss with a patient obtaining a semen/sperm sample for analysis |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1,2 |
Training activities
Perform sample reception and initial macroscopic analysis for a diagnostic semen sample |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 2 |
Training activities
Perform manual assessment of concentration for fresh human ejaculates |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 2 |
Training activities
Perform manual assessment of fresh human ejaculates for:
|
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 2 |
Training activities
Perform manual sperm morphological assessment on a range of sperm samples indicative of different pathologies |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 5 |
Training activities
Analyse data required for key performance indicators (KPIs) and make recommendations for action for results out with tolerance limit |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 4 |
Training activities
Prepare reports of laboratory results including interpretation of whether results are within a typical fertile or sub-fertile range |
Type DTA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 2 |
Training activities
Perform different methods of post vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA), and report the result according to local standards |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 5 |
Training activities
Participate in IQC and EQA for basic semen analysis, and make recommendations for action on the findings |
Type ETA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 1,2,3 |
Training activities
Perform an assessment and prepare semen samples for treatment, to include:
|
Type ETA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Perform a manual semen analysis for concentration.
- Perform a manual semen analysis for motility.
- Perform assessment of sperm morphology.
- Package and send a semen sample for a test provided off-site.
Observed Clinical Event Titles
- Present actions required following EQA/IQC assessment of semen analysis.
- Instruct a patient on the process and requirements for producing a sample off-site.
- Discuss with another healthcare professional patient results and recommendations for further investigation.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explain to a patient the process for providing sperm and semen sample for analysis, addressing patient concerns. |
| 2 | Perform basic diagnostic andrology assessments according to national and international guidelines. |
| 3 | Perform basic sperm preparation techniques. |
| 4 | Interpret and report results of basic diagnostic andrology assessments including guidance on management of patient care and possible treatment pathways. |
| 5 | Assess and quality assure the performance of basic semen analyses in the laboratory. |
Clinical experiences
Clinical experiences help you to develop insight into your practice and a greater understanding of your specialty's impact on patient care. Clinical experiences should be included in your training plan and you may be asked to help organise your experiences. Reflections and observations from your experiences may help you to advance your practice and can be used to develop evidence to demonstrate your awareness and appreciation of your specialty.
Activities
- Attend a training meeting which focuses upon semen analysis.
- Visit an IVF laboratory to appreciate the sperm sample requirements for embryology procedures.
- Observe a vasectomy procedure being performed to appreciate the patient experience.
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
To develop a broader understanding of their specialty practice and support the completion of assessments and competencies, it is recommended a trainee should:
- Attend a training meeting which focuses upon semen analysis.
- Visit an IVF laboratory to appreciate the sperm sample requirements for embryology procedures.
- Observe a vasectomy procedure being performed to appreciate the patient experience.
Indicative content
- Sperm function and fertilisation.
- Capacitation and acrosome reaction.
- Sperm egg binding and oocyte activation.
- Microscopy – use and practice.
- Macroscopic and microscopic parameters of semen.
- Normal vs abnormal semen samples.
- The diagnostic/prognostic value of semen analysis including the validity reproducibility, reliability and limitations of testing procedures.
- Macroscopic
- Appearance
- Volume
- Liquefaction
- Viscosity
- pH
- Biochemical measurements (including zinc and fructose)
- Microscopic parameters
- Motility
- Concentration
- Morphology (including different staining and scoring methods)
- White blood cells or anti-sperm antibodies
- Methods of assessment
- Relevance
- Observed infections in semen
- From ejaculation to oocyte contact
- Capacitation
- Hyper-motility
- Gamete procurement, preparation and handling
- witnessing and sample reception – collection off site- chain of custody
- Sperm procurement: antegrade and retrograde, patient compliance, identity checks, etc.
- Non-surgical options for sample procurement with particular reference to spinal-cord injury (including but not limited to vibratory stimulation and electroejaculation).
- Surgical sperm retrieval methodologies.
- Laboratory skills, culture media options and aseptic technique for semen preparation and oocyte collection and handling.
- Sperm preparation for clinical use: swim-up, density gradient centrifugation and other methods.
- Regulation and accreditation requirements, including quality management.
- Accrediting organisations, e.g. the United Kingdom Accreditation Service and the Royal College of Pathology.
- Quality management system within a diagnostic laboratory (e.g. ISO615189) and treatment centre (e.g ISO9001), including audit requirements.
- Quality control tests routinely employed in the andrology laboratory, including internal and external quality control, CE-marking and bioassays.
- Validation and verification of equipment and processes.