Email: andrology.department@elht.nhs.uk
Phone: 01282 805409
The term Andrology is derived from the Greek word Andros, or man, and is the medical speciality that deals with problems of the male reproductive system.
Andrology Services
Andrology is a part of the Pathology Department.
We have a clinic at Burnley General Teaching Hospital and testing is held on an appointment basis. There is no Andrology service at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.
We provide services to analyse semen samples and receive referrals from both internal and external sources for both fertility and post-vasectomy sterilisation specimens.
All the services we provide adhere to the current World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines- Examination and processing of human semen (6th edition, 2021).
Opening Times
Opening times at BGTH are 7.30am - 2.30 pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The department is closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, weekends and Bank Holidays.
Patient Information
Patient information leaflets can be viewed, downloaded and printed by using the links on this page.
Fertility Specimens
Fertility specimens are dealt with on an appointment basis only.
Post-vasectomy Specimens
Post-vasectomy samples are dealt with on an appointment basis only. Repeat samples may be required until clearance is given by the referring clinician.
Andrology contact information
01282 805409
andrology.department@elht.nhs.uk
Reference Ranges
Reference ranges follow WHO Guidelines (6th edition, 2021). Ranges are available via the Clinician Guidelines hyperlink
Turnaround times
We aim to have all cases reported back to the referring Clinician within 7 calendar days of receipt.
Accreditation and Quality Assurance
The Andrology section holds UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation to the International Standard ISO 15189:2012 for Medical Laboratories. Please note that retrograde ejaculation testing is not a UKAS accredited test.
All specimens will be tested by State Registered Biomedical Scientists who are regularly competency assessed.
The laboratory participates in external quality assurance (UKNEQAS) every quarter, for fertility analysis. All qualified Biomedical Scientists participate in the scheme and their results are internally monitored. All qualified Biomedical Scientists participate in internal quality assurance on a monthly basis for fertility and post vasectomy analysis. The results from individuals are collated and monitored for inter-staff variability.
Useful documents for patients
Andrology patient information leaflet
Useful documents for healthcare professionals (Please note these documents are not currently in an accessible format but they will be available shortly)
Healthcare professionals’ information
Useful resources for male fertility patients
NeXYs
Provides peer support for men during fertility challenges — with online groups and regular in-person events across the UK. Tailored 1:1 coaching, specialist-led webinars giving clear, reliable information.
HIM Fertility
Links to information, podcasts, and support for men to open-up and talk about their issues
Fertility Network UK
National Charity to help couples experiencing fertility problems
British Fertility Society
Series of guides to specialist areas of fertility assessment and treatment. Advice for sample production, help understanding results.
www.britishfertilitysociety.org.uk/information-hub/male-factor/
Channel 4 ‘Celebrity Save our Sperm’
Television programme following 3 male celebrities to check their fertility, and attempt to increase their sperm count in 10 days