Specimen Collection

It is important to remember that SPAR is a clinical trial. The current protocol calls for sperm from two specimens with an undetectable viral burden for each conception attempt.

Three Methods for Collecting Specimens

  1. In-Person at the laboratory in Bedford, MA to collect semen and do time-sensitive blood tests as required by the FDA for surrogacy cases.
  2. Walk-In Bring your specimen to the Bedford lab within 90 minutes of collection.
  3. Mail-In via Priority Overnight FedEx or special courier from almost anywhere in the world.

The mail-in method uses a Live Semen Transport Kit designed specifically for SPAR. The Mail-In kit is the first overnight delivery kit that does not require freezer packs because of a specialized refrigeration medium added to the specimen before shipping.

Men using a gestational carrier will collect most specimens at the Bedford lab because of the special timing required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA blood and urine tests are required within seven days of the semen specimen collection. Because of this tight turnaround, men should provide at least three specimens to offset the 15% chance of an HIV-positive result rendering a specimen unusable.

SPAR Live Semen Transport Kit
Live Semen Transport Kit

Semen Analysis of Live Specimen

  • Sperm Count to assess fertility.
  • Sperm appearance (morphology) for advanced assessment of fertility and development of sperm.
  • Immunostain for identification of other types of cells in the specimen. 
  • Viral Testing for detection of HIV RNA / DNA particles. Additionally, all specimens are currently tested for Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
  • Other Pathogen Testing if indicated for bacteria or Hepatitis B or C. 
  • Sperm Cryo-BankingWe use standard cryopreservation procedures to store specimens until needed. Specimens are for personal use only.

See Understanding the Science for more details about these analyses. 

How Do I Order a Kit?

An order form for your first kit will be included in your Info Pack. We recommend submitting this kit in coordination with your initial consultation with Dr. Kiessling. The sperm count in your semen specimen may influence your treatment options.

Fax: 781-271-9447
Mailing address: PO Box 1028, Bedford, MA 01730.

To help protect patient confidentiality forms are accepted by fax or mail only. Please do not email kit order forms to the lab.

Important Notes About Viral Testing:

  • Each specimen must be accompanied by a test requisition signed by a physician. A form is included in the kit or can be downloaded from the website.
  • Semen specimens are HIV tested in batches, and some may require repeat testing. This means it may take three to four weeks to receive your results. Test results will be mailed to you; they are not given over the phone or by email.

Specimen Shipping & Receiving

  • Mail-In kits may be shipped Monday – Wednesday.
  • Walk-In Kits may be dropped-off Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM.
  • Additional times available by appointment. Email: spar@bedfordresearch.org to arrange.