PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAMPLE COLLECTION, SAFE HANDLING AND DELIVERY 1. Patient should be given clear and simple instructions explaining the need for semen analysis and what is required for specimen collection. 2. Patient should be informed about the importance of abstinence time. Ejaculate must be collected after 3-5 days (but not more than 7 days) of abstinence. 3. Samples should be obtained by masturbation and collected in a warm (20-40ºC), sterile, nontoxic plastic or glass wide-mouth container. Prior to sample collection, the patient must void and wash hands and genitals to minimize the chances of contamination. 4. Use of lubricants and saliva should be avoided as their potential toxicity might influence the result. Semen samples should be protected from extremes of temperature (<20ºC or >40ºC) during transport to the laboratory. 5. All sample containers are labeled with adequate information to eliminate any chances of error. 6. Regular condoms should not b