What’s Inside?

 

Vasectomy Test Kit Instructions

OVERVIEW

Semen is a mixture of fluids and cells from the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate and secretory glands in the penis. Sexual excitement before vasectomy stimulates release of each component which mix together at the time of ejaculation to form a viscous liquid that contains sperm. After vasectomy, the specimen should not contain sperm, but will otherwise appear unchanged. Enzymes in the semen cause it to thin (liquefy) within 30 to 60 minutes. The liquefied semen, collected in the condom by intercourse, masterbation, or other sexual activity, is stabilized for laboratory analysis of sperm by adding it to the patented PVSA preservative solution (labeled “POISON”).

INSTRUCTIONS

Read carefully before beginning:

  1. Collect a semen specimen in the condom.
  2. Following ejaculation, remove the condom carefully to avoid loss of specimen. Keeping the open end closed, allow the specimen to stand at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. A corner of the plastic, lined transport box is a convenient location.
  3. At the end of the 30 to 60 minute waiting period, put on gloves. Place the bottle with the pale pink liquid labeled “POISON” in a stable place. Remove the cap.
  4. Place the open end of the condom just inside the mouth of the “POISON” bottle. Up-end the condom to deliver the semen into the preservative. (see Figure 1). Recover as much specimen as possible by stripping the condom in a downward motion toward the opening. A color change may occur, this is normal.
  5. Discard the empty condom. Replace the cap firmly on the bottle.
  6. Remove and discard the gloves.
  7. Print “Name”, “Date” and “Date of Birth” on the bottle label. Place bottle into the plastic bag, seal, and return to plastic specimen box.
  8. Replace the security brad fastener. Print “Name”, “Date” and “Doctor” on the lid.
  9. Place the plastic specimen box and test requisition form (if included in envelope) into the cardboard mailing box.
  10. Drop in the nearest mailbox. The boxes are pre-paid postage and US Postal Service Regulation for shipping body fluids.

THIS KIT CONTAINS

  • One pre-addressed cardboard mailing carton
  • One absorbent lined plastic specimen box containing:
  • one condom
  • one capped bottle of preservative labeled “POISON”
  • one plastic bag
  • one pair of gloves for handling preservative (“poison”)

If any items are missing from your kit, please contact The Bedford Research Foundation to receive replacement parts.

Mailing Address:

The Bedford Research Foundation
P.O. Box 1028
Bedford, MA 01730

Laboratory Phone Number:

(617) 623-7447

Or email PVSA@bedfordresearch.org with any questions. We do our best to answer all inquires within 24 hours.