General Information:

Microbiological Examination of Semen – Modern Diagnostics for Male Reproductive Health

The microbiological examination of semen is a key method for detecting bacterial and fungal infections that may affect male reproductive health, sperm quality, and the overall condition of the urogenital tract. Modern technologies allow extremely accurate identification of pathogens and determination of the most appropriate treatment.

SMDL Laborexpress uses a combination of culture methods, MALDI‑TOF mass spectrometry, digital antibiogram reading with BIOMIC, automated antibiotic susceptibility testing with Vitek 2, and PCR diagnostics for hard‑to‑detect pathogens.

What the Microbiological Examination of Semen Includes

The test aims to detect:

• bacterial infections

• fungal pathogens

• inflammatory processes

• sexually transmitted pathogens

• microorganisms that may affect fertility

It is especially important in cases of pain, burning, discomfort, changes in the ejaculate, or difficulties with conception.

1. Culture Examination

The first step is inoculation on selective media. This allows:

• detection of bacterial growth

• identification of fungal elements

2. Microorganism Identification with MALDI‑TOF

After isolating the pathogen, identification is performed using MALDI‑TOF mass spectrometry — the gold standard in modern microbiology.

Advantages of MALDI‑TOF:

• extremely high accuracy

• results within minutes

• reliable identification of difficult‑to‑determine bacteria and fungi

• minimal risk of error

This technology ensures fast and precise diagnostics, especially in mixed or atypical infections.

3. Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing

To determine the most appropriate treatment, antibiotic sensitivity testing is performed.

BIOMIC – Digital Reading of Antibiograms

• automated measurement of inhibition zones

• elimination of subjective interpretation

• high reproducibility

• visual documentation of results

Optional: Vitek 2 – Fully Automated System

• rapid determination of MIC

• standardized testing conditions

• internationally recognized methodology

• high accuracy for difficult‑to‑treat pathogens

Pathogens Not Detectable by Standard Culture Methods

Some microorganisms cannot be detected through routine culturing and are not included in the standard culture examination, such as:

• Chlamydia trachomatis

• Mycoplasma genitalium

• Ureaplasma spp.

• Trichomonas vaginalis

• other STI pathogens

• viral pathogens, including HPV

HPV testing is recommended in cases of:

• recurrent infections

• partner with HPV

• planning a pregnancy

• abnormalities in semen analysis

HPV PCR testing identifies high‑risk types associated with neoplastic changes.

Sample Collection Instructions

For reliable results, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Sexual abstinence for 2–3 days before the test

• Sample collection after washing with water only

• Use a sterile container

• Deliver the sample as soon as possible

• In case of doubt about gonorrhoea, it is good to bring morning urethral secretion (a common symptom of this infection). It is taken in the morning, before urinating, with a sterile swab carefully. For gonorrhea suspecting cases, the material is important to be taken to the lab is within a few hours, otherwise, false negative results are possible.