Laboratory
The best care
The Arizona Andrology Laboratory & Cryobank is committed to providing confidential, state-of-the-art male fertility testing, processing and sperm cryopreservation in a uniquely professional and friendly atmosphere.
Unlike some of the “large, chain labs” that do many different kinds of testing on a variety of tissues and cells, the AALC is strictly an andrology (male fertility) laboratory and only works with human sperm. We feel this focus allows us to provide the best possible care for patients and couples that need the best fertility testing possible.
The Clinical Laboratory Inspection Agency (CLIA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certify AALC and the American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB) certifies the laboratory supervisor. AALC is an independent laboratory and is not associated with any health insurance companies.
Complete Semen Analysis
Complete Semen Analysis
The most thorough of semen analyses, a complete semen analysis is the best way to evaluate male fertility and the patency of the reproductive tract. This type of test includes all the parameters tested in a basic semen analysis or pellet count, but also tests Strict Morphology. This type of test is commonly ordered by OB/GYNs investigating a couple’s infertility issues or urologists following a procedure. Also, the inclusion of Strict Morphology allows for more in depth visual analysis of sperm that is useful for assisted reproductive treatments and identifying less common sources of infertility.
Post Vasectomy Semen Analysis
Following vasectomy it is important to ensure the procedure was a success and sterility has been obtained. Although the chances are slim, vasectomies can fail or spontaneously reverse and the only way to be made aware of such is through a PVSA. Most doctors only want to see one to two analyses showing no sperm seen, but you are welcome to retest at any point in the future.
Post Vasectomy Reversal Semen Analysis
After a vasectomy reversal it is critical to check semen analyses regularly to monitor the healing of the surgical connections. This test is similar to the Complete Semen Analysis except that it does not include Strict Morphology (as this is less important for natural conception). Also, the Post Reversal Semen Analysis includes the test for anti-sperm antibodies.
Pellet Count
Some patients have sperm counts of extremely low density (severe oligozoospermia) that cannot usually be detected through routine semen analysis techniques. The pellet count examines the entire pellet, created by centrifuging the semen, for the presence of any sperm, which can be useful in determining the patient’s options for further fertility treatment.
Semen Fructose Assay
The complete absence of spermatozoa in the patient (azoospermia) may be due to blockage of the sperm within the reproductive tract rather than a lack of sperm production. The qualitative fructose test can be very useful to the clinician in making this evaluation. If no fructose is present in the semen it can indicate a blockage in the reproductive tract.
Antisperm Antibody Direct Binding Assay (SpermMar™)
This procedure can detect the presence of certain antibodies on the sperm that can cause them to clump together or otherwise impair their function. The direct binding assay causes latex beads to attach to sperm that are coated in these antisperm antibodies so that a ratio of bound/coated sperm to free swimming sperm can be determined.
Post Ejaculate Urine Analysis
A qualitative examination and screening for the presence of spermatozoa in the urine in patients where the semen ejaculate is retrograde and “backs up” into the bladder. Techniques can be used to “wash out” the bladder in patients with retrograde ejaculation. The retrieved sperm can then be utilized for intrauterine insemination (IUI), freezing, or other fertility treatment or testing.
Vitality Stain
Spermatozoa that are non-motile are not necessarily “dead” and in fact may be used for certain assisted reproduction techniques. The vital stain can determine the percentage of sperm that are viable or “alive” in the semen sample from the non-viable or “dead” sperm. This test is typically only performed if the motility of the sample is below a certain point.