Semen Analysis

Question 1

1. What is the optimal place and method for collection of a semen specimen?

Answer 1

. A private, comfortable room should be provided for
specimen collection that allows for quick delivery of
the specimen to the laboratory. The preferred method of
semen collection is by masturbation

Question 2

2. What type of container should be provided for the collection of a semen specimen?

Answer 2

Specimen collection containers should be clean glass or
plastic and have a wide opening

Question 3

3. If semen collection occurs at the physician’s office or patient’s home, what care should be taken during transport?

Answer 3

Specimens should not be collected in a condom as these
often contain spermicidal compounds and lubricants
that may interfere with laboratory tests. If the specimen
must be transported from a site distant to the laboratory,
it must be kept near body temperature and extremes in
temperature must be avoided.

Question 4

4. Over half the volume of semen is produced in the:
   a. Epididymis
   b. Prostate gland
   c. Seminal vesicles
   d. Vasa deferentia

Answer 4

c. Seminal vesicles

Question 5

5. Fructose is contained in the portion of semen produced
   by the:
   a. Bulbourethral glands
   b. Epididymis
   c. Prostate gland
   d. Seminal vesicles

Answer 5

d. Seminal vesicles

Question 6

6. The process of spermatozoa formation is under control
   of all of these hormones EXCEPT:
   a. Human chorionic gonadotropin
   b. Luteinizing hormone
   c. Follicle-stimulating hormone
   d. Testosterone

Answer 6

a. Human chorionic gonadotropin

Question 7

7. Semen analysis plays an important role in:
   a. Determining the effectiveness of a vasectomy
   b. Establishing a cause for infertility
   c. Forensic studies of suspected rape
   d. All of these

Answer 7

d. All of these

Question 8

8. Normal semen color(s) includes (select all that
   apply):
   a. Clear
   b. Gray
   c. White
   d. Yellow

Answer 8

b. Gray
c. White
d. Yellow

Question 9

9. Which semen volume is within normal limits?
   a. O.S mL
   b. 1.5 mL
   c. 4.0 mL
   d. 6.0 mL

Answer 9

c. 4.0 mL

Question 10

1 0. Which semen pH is within normal limits?
a. 6.8
b. 7.0
c. 7.6
d. 8.0

Answer 10

c. 7.6

Question 11

11. Which of the following describes a normal spermatozoa
    head?
    a. Constricted near the acrosome
    b. Elongated and tapered
    c. Flattened oval
    d. Round and small

Answer 11

c. Flattened oval

Question 12

12. Viable sperm appear using the eosin-nigrosin stain.
    a. Black
    b. Orange
    c. Red
    d. White

Answer 12

d. White

Question 13

13. Which statement is NOT true concerning semen fructose?
    a. Decreased fructose levels may indicate androgen
    deficiency.
    b. Fructose levels are independent of testosterone
    levels.
    c. Fructose comprises 99% of semen reducing sugars.
    d. Fructose levels are assessed in cases of azoospermia.

Answer 13

b. Fructose levels are independent of testosterone
levels.

Question 14

1 4. Which test is useful in evaluating the presence of
infection in the spermatic vessels?
a. Carnitine
b. Glycerolphosphocholine
c. Malondialdehyde acid
d. Polymorphonuclear granulocyte elastase

Answer 14

d. Polymorphonuclear granulocyte elastase

Question 15

1 5. Which test is useful in evaluating the function of the
epididymis?
a. Malondialdehyde acid
b. Neutral alpha-glucosidase
c. Prostaglandins
d. Superoxide dismutase activity

Answer 15

b. Neutral alpha-glucosidase

Question 16

1 6. An asthenozoospermic semen is one that displays a:
a. Complete absence of sperm
b. Normal sperm count with less than normal motility, and morphology
c. Less than normal sperm count with normal sperm motility, and morphology
d. Normal sperm count and motility but less than normal morphology

Answer 16

b. Normal sperm count with less than normal motility, and morphology

Question 17

1 7. What substance( s) can help establish the presence of
semen? (select all that apply)
a. Acid phosphatase
b. Prostate-specific antigen
c. Semenogelin
d. Testosterone

Answer 17

a. Acid phosphatase
b. Prostate-specific antigen
c. Semenogelin