: Sperm Motility, Mass Concentration, Semen
: This test measures the concentration of motile sperm in a semen sample, helping evaluate male fertility. It reports how many moving sperm are present per volume of semen.
[": Sperm motility concentration is one component of a semen analysis used to assess male fertility potential."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18404-4
- Short code
- Sperm IgM Smn-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Sperm IgM Smn-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
: What This Test Measures
: The test measures the concentration of motile (moving) sperm in a semen sample, typically expressed as the number of motile sperm per unit volume. This is one element of a broader semen analysis and reflects the proportion of sperm that show movement.
: How the Sample Is Collected
: A semen sample is usually collected by masturbation into a sterile container after a period of abstinence recommended by the laboratory. The sample is then examined promptly, since sperm motility declines over time after collection.
: What the Results Mean
: Results describe the motile sperm concentration in the sample. Lower values may prompt further fertility evaluation, while interpretation depends on other semen parameters such as total sperm count, morphology, and volume. Your clinician will interpret the result alongside your full history.
: Important Limitations
: Semen analysis results can vary between samples and are affected by abstinence time, collection conditions, and time to analysis. A single result may not reflect overall fertility, and repeat testing is often needed before drawing conclusions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: Sperm motility is an important contributor to male fertility, and reduced motile sperm concentration can be seen in various conditions affecting sperm production or the reproductive tract. This test is one part of a comprehensive fertility assessment and should be interpreted by a qualified clinician in the context of the full semen analysis and clinical history.
Short name
: NONE
Frequently asked questions
: Does this test measure all sperm or only moving sperm?
: How long before the test should I abstain from ejaculation?
: Can one abnormal result mean I am infertile?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy