The Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory has two major programs: serum testing of reproductive hormones, and diagnostic and therapeutic andrology services.
Serum testing of reproductive hormones is used for diagnosis of infertility in males and females, and evaluation of patient response to hormonal manipulations undertaken as part of an assisted reproductive technologies (ART, IVF, ICSI, etc.).
Additionally, some endocrine markers can be elaborated by neoplastic tissues and are informative as tumor markers. The full roster of testing includes non-maternal AFP, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (ATPO), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG+beta), DHEA-S, estradiol, FSH, LH, progesterone, prolactin, SHBG, total testosterone, and calculated free testosterone.
Andrology services encompass diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. Semen analysis is the primary diagnostic modality, performed by computerized image analysis and reported using expected results for fertile males. The lab also prepares whole semen for intrauterine insemination (IUI) through a process of washing and sperm concentration.
The Reproductive Endocrinology lab also operates a non-donor sperm bank which serves the oncology and ART community. This is defined as a bank providing services solely for use by the depositor’s identified sexually intimate partner. Anonymous banking services or sale of banked semen to third parties are not services of a non-donor bank. Typical patients are men with cancer about to undergo fertility reducing procedures such as chemotherapy or surgery, or infertility patients taking part in an IVF or IUI program.
The Reproductive Endocrinology lab at BWH does not sell or market donated or anonymous frozen sperm. Rather, use is intended for the known partners of the patients we serve.
All andrology services require a physician referral and are by appointment only. In-network healthcare providers can initiate internal test requests electronically. Out-of-network andrology services require a completed Andrology Doctors Order Form. This form can also be obtained from the Reproductive Endocrinology lab by calling 617-732-7505.
This completed form must be FAXED (617-730-2880) directly to the lab in advance of the patient visit. Note that an ICD-10 code for each test or service must be indicated, and the ordering physician’s name, address, and phone number must be included, and signed by the ordering physician.
Physicians requesting add-on testing can do so electronically. If the request is STAT, please call the BWH Lab Control at 617-732-7415.
All services require an advance appointment by calling the lab directly at 617-732-7505.
The lab is open Monday through Friday, 7 am – 3:30 pm. We receive patients for all andrology services from 7 – 11 am.
Semen analysis and non-donor sperm banking is available Monday through Friday from 7 – 11 am, excluding holidays.
IUI prep is performed everyday including weekends and holidays as arranged by the doctor’s office with a valid lab order. Prepared samples are available for pick up between 11 am – 12 pm.
The lab would appreciate a call (24 hour notice of cancellation) if you cannot keep any of your appointments.
A fresh sample must be provided for analysis and for any therapeutic preparation. Ejaculatory abstinence should be a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 7 days. Samples can be produced in a reserved private lounge at the lab or at home and brought fresh (by prior appointment) to the lab without delay. Sterile specimen cups can be obtained from the ordering clinic, local pharmacies, or from our lab. Specimens produced at home should be transported next to the body (i.e., under shirt or sweater) and delivered immediately to the Reproductive Endocrinology Lab at the scheduled time. Specimens should be delivered within 45 minutes and no later than 60 minutes of collection.
Patients with an appointment for diagnostic andrology or therapeutic services should come to the lab located on the third floor of the Ramzi Cotran Building (formerly Amory) at 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115.
After entering at the main entrance of 75 Francis Street, make an immediate right to the M Elevator behind you and go the third floor. Turn left coming out of the elevators and follow the gray signs on the ceiling to the Reproductive Endocrinology Lab, which is located along the glass walled outer corridor.
For appointments, please contact the Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory during our normal business hours at 617-732-7505. Patients can also leave messages, and the calls will be returned as soon as possible.
For any questions or concerns, please contact Mazhar Chaudhry, lab supervisor, at 617-732-7505.
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