Sperm Test (Semen Analysis)
The sample must reach the lab within 40 minutes of collection. Sperm die quickly outside the body, so a late sample is unusable and the test has to be repeated. At-home collection only works if you live within about 20–25 minutes of a participating lab. If you are further away, use the lab’s on-site collection room instead.
You get a referral, not a kit in the post. The $59 covers a Specialist GP phone consult plus the pathology referral and instructions you take to the lab. After the call, we email you the referral form and collection instructions to print, and you phone the lab to book your drop-off slot.
Two reasons people get tested. A fertility test checks sperm count, movement (motility), and shape (morphology), usually as part of looking into how long conception is taking. A post-vasectomy test (PVSA) checks that no sperm remain after a vasectomy, before you rely on it for contraception. The collection method is the same for both; what differs is the timing and the abstinence rules — the Specialist GP confirms which applies to you on the call.
Why you need a referral first. Australian labs don’t do walk-in sperm tests — they need a GP referral, and the sample has to be booked so the lab is ready to test it the moment it arrives. The Specialist GP also checks the test is the right one for you.
Before you collect. For a fertility test, no ejaculation for 2 to 7 days beforehand — too short or too long a gap can skew the count. A post-vasectomy test has no abstinence rule. For either, avoid recent illness, saunas, hot baths, or heavy alcohol in the days beforehand, as these can temporarily affect sperm production and give a misleading result.
How to collect. Wash your hands and penis with soap and rinse well. Collect the whole sample straight into the sterile container — no condoms, no lubricant, no saliva. Seal the lid, and label it with your name, date of birth, and the exact collection time.
Getting it to the lab. Carry the container close to your body to keep it warm — don’t refrigerate it or leave it anywhere hot or cold. Get it to the lab within 40 minutes.
When at-home collection isn’t right for you. If you live more than 30 minutes from a lab, are in a regional or rural area, or had a previous sample rejected, the lab’s on-site collection room is the better choice. Most major fertility labs have private rooms you can use. Find a collection centre near you →
Cost. $59 for the Specialist GP phone consult. Pathology fees are paid to the lab directly and vary by provider — confirm when you book. Most labs return results to the referring GP within a few days.
