Is this analysis different than an analysis when going into a clinic?

No! Your semen analysis kit is shipped directly to our on-site CLIA certified laboratory. Upon the arrival of your sample, it will undergo the same meticulous testing process employed for our in-office patients. Unlike other at-home kit providers that rely on third-party laboratories, our laboratory has been in operation since 1992 and we maintain complete control over the analysis process. This ensures consistent and reliable results for every patient.

How long does it take to receive my kit?

Your kit will arrive the following day after it is shipped. We will ship your kit once your order is complete, on the day you request, Mon-Thurs (excluding holidays).

When and how will I receive my results?

A knowledgeable andrologist will reach out directly to you, via the telephone number provided on your patient paperwork, within 5-7 business days to review your results. This phone call will include a detailed review of all measured data regarding your sample and explanations of what that data means. A reference range will also be provided on your clinical report to easily compare your results to normal ranges. A formal digital copy will be sent to you via email for your records unless otherwise directed.

Does my kit expire?

Your kit will have an expiration date listed on the transport media tube. As long as you refrigerate this tube, your kit is good until the date listed.

Can I use lubricant to help collect my sample?

You should NOT use any form of lubricant to collect your sample, including saliva, lotion and water. All lubricants (even ones that claim they are sperm friendly) have spermicidal properties. Using them will affect your results. If you feel you are unable to collect your sample without using lubricant, please contact our lab directly to speak about your options prior to collection.

What if I don’t have the right days of abstinence?

Abstinence is an important part of receiving accurate results. If you do not have between 2&5 days since your last ejaculation, your results could present as abnormal. It is strongly advised you wait and plan to collect your sample when you have the correct days of abstinence and it is a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (except major holidays).

What if I forgot to refrigerate my transport media?

If you forget to refrigerate your transport media, please call our office at (619)265-0102.

What if my kit arrives damaged?

Customer satisfaction is important to us. If your kit arrives damaged, please contact us so that we can help remedy your problem. If any components are compromised, we will replace your kit ASAP at no charge.

I made a mistake while trying to collect my sample; can I get a new kit?

Mistakes happen! Give our office a call so that we can help get you a new kit if needed. We are also here to answer your questions regarding how to properly collect a sample. No need to be shy, we have heard it all!

My sample looks like it is not enough, what should I do?

Everybody will have a different volume of semen. It is very common for your semen sample to look small in the large collection cup. Please do not worry! Even one drop of semen can be enough for our expert team to analyze. The cups provided are sized to allow for comfortable collection of the sample and not to hold a certain volume of semen.

How do I ship my kit back?

Once you are finished with your collection and have followed the instructions to pack your sample into the kit and UPS pak, take it to a local UPS store location (not a drop box). To locate a UPS store near you, click here. The UPS pak is pre-labeled and paid for. All you have to do is make sure it is handed off prior to that store location’s last pick up of the day. It is recommended you call the UPS store you plan to go to prior to making your collection to ensure they will be able to accept the package and ship it the same day.

There is a holiday coming up, does this affect shipping?

Our clinic is closed weekends and major holidays. If you are planning your collection near a holiday, it is recommended you reach out to our clinic prior to making your collection to ensure your sample will get to us for processing within 24 hours and on a day we are open.

How do you protect my privacy?

Our clinic has been operating for over 4 decades. We are in full compliance with HIPAA guidelines. Your records will only be accessible to you and will never be shared with a third party, including a partner, unless explicitly requested.

 

 

 

Is this cryopreservation different than having my sample cryopreserved in person?

No! Your cryopreservation kit is shipped directly to our on-site CLIA certified laboratory. Upon the arrival of your sample, it will undergo the same meticulous testing and cryopreservation process employed for our in-office patients. Unlike other at-home kit providers that rely on third-party laboratories, our laboratory has been in operation since 1992 and we maintain complete control over the analysis and cryopreservation process. This ensures consistent and reliable results for every patient.

*It should be noted that prolonged time between ejaculation and cryopreservation may cause your sample to have less motile sperm due to normal cell degradation. The extent to which motility declines is specific to each sample. A technologist will call you prior to freezing your sample to provide initial analysis results.

How long does it take to receive my kit?

Your kit will arrive the following day after it is shipped. We will ship your kit once your order is complete, on the day you request, Mon-Thurs (excluding holidays).

When and how will I receive my results?

A knowledgeable andrologist will reach out directly to you, via the telephone number provided on your patient paperwork, to provide initial analysis results, provide recommendations for freezing and answer any questions you might have. A formal digital copy of your cryopreservation results will be sent to you via email for your records unless otherwise directed.

Does my kit expire?

Your kit will have an expiration date listed on the transport media tube. As long as you refrigerate this tube, your kit is good until the date listed.

Can I use lubricant to help collect my sample?

You should NOT use any form of lubricant to collect your sample, including saliva, lotion and water. All lubricants (even ones that claim they are sperm friendly) have spermicidal properties. Using them will affect your results. If you feel you are unable to collect your sample without using lubricant, please contact our lab directly to speak about your options prior to collection.

What if I don’t have the right days of abstinence?

Abstinence is an important part of receiving accurate results. If you do not have between 2&5 days since your last ejaculation, your results could present as abnormal. It is strongly advised you wait and plan to collect your sample when you have the correct days of abstinence and it is a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (except major holidays), unless you have an extenuating circumstance that does not allow for you to have the recommended days of abstinence.

What if I forgot to refrigerate my transport media?

If you forget to refrigerate your transport media, please call our office at (619)265-0102.

What if my kit arrives damaged?

Customer satisfaction is important to us. If your kit arrives damaged, please contact us so that we can help remedy your problem. If any components are compromised, we will replace your kit ASAP at no charge.

I made a mistake while trying to collect my sample; can I get a new kit?

Mistakes happen! Give our office a call so that we can help get you a new kit if needed. We are also here to answer your questions regarding how to properly collect a sample. No need to be shy, we have heard it all!

My sample looks like it is not enough, what should I do?

Everybody will have a different volume of semen. It is very common for your semen sample to look small in the large collection cup. Please do not worry! Even one drop of semen can be enough for our expert team to analyze. The cups provided are sized to allow for comfortable collection of the sample and not to hold a certain volume of semen.

How do I ship my kit back?

Once you are finished with your collection and have followed the instructions to pack your sample into the kit and UPS pak, take it to a local UPS store location (not a drop box). The UPS pak is pre-labeled and paid for. All you have to do is make sure it is handed off prior to that store location’s last pick up of the day. It is recommended you call the UPS store you plan to go to prior to making your collection to ensure they will be able to accept the package and ship it the same day. To locate a UPS store near you, click here.

There is a holiday coming up, does this affect shipping?

Our clinic is closed on weekends and major holidays. If you are planning your collection near a holiday, it is recommended you reach out to our clinic prior to making your collection to ensure your sample will get to us for processing within 24 hours and on a day we are open.

How do I retrieve my frozen sample?

If/when you choose to use your samples, all you need to do is call our office at (619)265-0102 and request transfer forms. We offer in-office pick-ups with a transport tank rental, local courier or shipping to your home or fertility clinic. There are costs associated with these services, please click here to see pricing.

How many vials do I need to freeze?

This depends on your future goals. If you are planning to use your vials for an IUI procedure or home insemination with your partner, we recommend 4-6 IUI quality vials per child you wish to have.

If you are planning on using your vials for a future IVF procedure, we recommend 6 frozen vials.

If you are unsure how you will be using your vials in the future, we recommend always having 6 IVF vials to start. If your sample permits or if you choose to send multiple samples to our facility, we then recommend 4-12 IUI vials.

Your fertility doctor may have a different recommendation, so always check with your provider first!

To learn more about the freezing process and/or the difference between IUI quality vials and IVF vials, please click here.

How long are my frozen samples good for?

As long as your vials are cryopreserved at our facilities, they can remain frozen indefinitely. We've successfully maintained frozen samples for over three decades with positive pregnancy results!

How long will CUBBY keep my vials in storage?

As long as you wish to store your vials with us, we will ensure they remain frozen. To learn how to request additional storage after your first year, please call our office at (619) 265-0102 or visit our long term storage website.

I’m being deployed, how can I give my partner access to my vials while I am gone?

In your registration forms sent to you via DocuSign, there is an option under “Tissue Directive” where you can choose to allow another person access to your vials. You may also call our office to request an updated tissue directive form.

What if there is not enough sperm in my sample to freeze?

Prior to freezing your sample, an experienced laboratory technologist will call you to go over your preliminary results. They will be able to provide information regarding the potential of your sample. You will also be able to ask questions and receive recommendations. Ultimately, the only person who can choose whether a sample is frozen or discarded is the patient. Our lab has extensive experience freezing low count samples successfully for IVF.

What if I decide I don’t want my vials to be stored any longer?

If the time comes when you wish to discontinue your storage, please contact our office at (619)265-0102 to learn about disposition options available to you. Normally this involves a notarized final disposition form.

What if something happens to me, what happens to my vials?

When you receive your registration forms, there is a place to choose what will happen to your vials in the case of death. If you wish to update this designation at any time, please contact our office for an updated final disposition form.

Can I donate my vials to someone else?

Although there are avenues that allow for sperm donation, our cryopreservation kits only offer freezing for personal use with a sexually intimate partner. If you are interested in donating your sperm to another individual, please contact our office to learn more about directed donation and the fees and requirements associated.

Can I use my frozen vials in a surrogate?

The CUBBY at home cryopreservation kit does not allow for frozen vials to be used later in a surrogate. There are additional tests and fees associated with this intention. To learn more about directed donation, please contact our office or visit www.spermbankcalifornia.com.

How do you protect my privacy?

Our clinic has been operating for over 4 decades. We are in full compliance with HIPAA guidelines. Your records will only be accessible to you and will never be shared with a third party, including a partner, unless explicitly requested.

Please read the following collection and shipping instructions prior to collecting your sample. 

If you have questions, please wait to collect your sample and give us a ring!

(619)265-0102

For some frequently asked questions please click here

 

So, you’re ready to collect your sample…

Make sure that on the day you wish to collect your sample you have between 2 & 5 days of abstinence (no ejaculations), and your collection will take place on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Be ready to take your sample to an open UPS store (not a drop box) right after you collect your sample.

1. Remove transport fluid from refrigerator

Allow the “transport fluid” to warm to room temperature for 30 min to ensure the fluid will not be too cold when mixed with your semen sample. Do not heat the transport fluid or your sample.

2. Prepare and label collection cup

Using a pen, write your full legal name on the collection cup label.

3. Masturbate

Remove the lid from the collection cup and set aside for later. Masturbate WITHOUT using any form of lubrication including lotion, saliva or water. Take your time with your collection.  Studies have shown that being relaxed and stress free can result in a better semen sample. Make sure to ejaculate your entire sample into the collection cup. If part of your sample is missed, please note this on the provided "off site collection slip".

4. Add transport fluid

Pour the entire contents of the room temperature transport media tube into the collection cup that contains your semen sample. Do this without touching the transport media tube to the inside of the collection cup.

5. Seal the collection cup

Replace the collection cup lid that you set aside in step 3 back onto the cup. Be careful that the lid is not cross threaded and is tightly in place. Take the provided parafilm (plastic wrap) and stretch it around the top of the collection cup and lid. This will help to keep the lid tightly secure during transport to avoid leakage and sample compromise.

6. Ship your sample to us

Place the collection kit into the provided bag and return it to the kit. Close the kit and attach the red security seal to the outside edge where the box and lid meet to secure it closed . Place your kit box into the provided ups pak that has your return label already attached. Bring the package to a UPS location (not drop box). https://www.theupsstore.com/tools/find-a-store That’s it!

Our friendly staff is here to assist you Mon-Fri 8am-5pm PST

(619)265-0102

6699 Alvarado Rd. Suite 2208, San Diego, CA 92102