Laboratory: Clinical Microbiology
Test Name:
SEMEN, CULTURE, AEROBIC BACTERIA - (Semf)
Test Code: MSTD
Clinical Information:
Test Indications:
Suspected prostatitis caused by typical agents of prostatitis (e.g., Escherichia coli, other Enterobacterales, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Neisseria gonorrhoeae). This test will not detect atypical pathogens such as Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma or Chlamydia.

Recommendations:
Testing should only be performed in patients with signs and symptoms of acute or chronic prostatitis where other methods of diagnosis (e.g., Urine, Culture, Segmented, Aerobic Bacteria, a.k.a. the Three Glass or Four Glass test of urine and prostatic secretions) have failed to confirm the diagnosis. Criteria for interpretation of semen cultures are not established and require clinical correlation.

Patient Preparation Instructions:
Accurate patient identification must be made prior to sample collection.
Samples and requisitions must be labeled/completed in accordance with the Shared Health Specimen Acceptance Policy. Patients should wash hands before and after collection. The penis does not require cleansing prior to collection. The specimen must be obtained by masturbation until ejaculation and the ejaculated semen must be captured in a sterile container. Care must be taken not to contaminate the inside of the container during masturbation. As specimens must be aseptically collected, use of a condom or similar device to capture the sample is not permitted. No lubricants should be used during masturbation.
Collection Devices:
Preferred Device:
1 - Sterile Specimen Container (100 mL)


Sterile Specimen Container (100 mL)
Manufacturer:

Catalogue #:
 - Specimens received in other collection devices and swabs will not be processed.
Specimen Required: Semen
Referral:
Requisition:
Reference Values:
A descriptive quantitative report will be provided. Accurate interpretation of results requires clinical correlation between quantitative culture results, ancillary tests (e.g., urine cultures) and clinical presentation.
Availability:
Daily
See Also:
More Information:
Specimen Handling:
Fresh specimen must be received by the laboratory within 2 hours of collection. Specimen may be held refrigerated for up to 24 hours if transport delay is expected. If not immediately sent to the laboratory or if delay is expected, this specimen type must be immediately stored refrigerated at 4ºC. Ensure specimens are sent using appropriate packaging in accordance with Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulation.