How should semen specimens reach the lab after collection and under what conditions?

• A. Within 24 hours, refrigerated
• B. Immediately frozen
• C. 24 hours at room temperature
• D. 1 hour after collection and must remain at body temperature

Answer: (D)

Semen samples for analysis must be kept warm and delivered quickly because sperm are highly sensitive to time and temperature. If the specimen sits too long or is cooled, motility and viability decline, leading to inaccurate results. Refrigeration or freezing can drastically alter sperm function, and leaving a sample at room temperature for extended periods also degrades quality. Therefore, the best practice is to bring the specimen to the lab about one hour after collection and keep it at body temperature (around 37°C) during transport, using warming methods if needed. This helps preserve motility and viability for a reliable analysis.