Semen Analysis, Motility and Morphology, Non-Fasting
This test evaluates a semen sample for sperm motility (how well sperm move) and morphology (sperm shape). It is part of a standard semen analysis used to assess male fertility.
["Sperm motility and morphology are key measures of sperm quality that help assess male fertility."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10619-5
- Short code
- Sperm Motile w IgM NFr Smn MAR
- Synonyms
- Sperm Motile w IgM NFr Smn MAR
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mixed-antiglobulin-reaction
- 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 examines two key features of sperm in a semen sample. Motility describes the percentage of sperm that are moving and how well they move forward. Morphology describes the percentage of sperm with normal shape and structure, including the head, midpiece, and tail.
Why It Is Ordered
This test is commonly ordered when a couple is having difficulty conceiving or as part of a male fertility evaluation. It may also be requested after certain medical treatments, surgeries, or exposures that can affect sperm production, or to monitor response to fertility treatment.
How the Sample Is Collected
A semen sample is usually collected by masturbation into a sterile container provided by the laboratory, typically after a period of abstinence recommended by your provider. The sample must be delivered to the laboratory promptly so motility can be assessed while the sperm are still viable. Follow your laboratory's specific collection instructions carefully.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as percentages or descriptive categories for motile sperm and normally shaped sperm. Your provider interprets these findings in the context of other semen analysis parameters, such as sperm count and volume, as well as your medical history. Abnormal results do not by themselves confirm infertility and often require repeat testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Sperm motility and morphology are important contributors to male fertility. Reduced motility (asthenozoospermia) or a high proportion of abnormally shaped sperm (teratozoospermia) can lower the chance of natural conception, but many men with abnormal results still achieve pregnancy, and results can vary between samples. Interpretation should always be made by a clinician alongside the full semen analysis and clinical context.
Short name
Semen Analysis
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast for this test?
Can one abnormal result mean I am infertile?
How long before the test should I abstain from ejaculation?
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