Immediately following ejaculation, semen is in a gel-like condition.
Liquefaction, or resolution of the gel-like consistency, is expected within 15 minutes at room temperature. If liquefaction does not occur within 60 minutes you should note this on the report sheet. Normal liquefied semen may contain jelly-like granules (gelatinous bodies) that do not liquefy. These are not significant and will not interfere with the semen analysis. However, mucus strands may interfere with the analysis.
WHO 5th edition recommends continuous gentle mixing or rotation of the sample container on a surface rotator, either at room temperature or in a 37°C incubator during liquefaction to help produce a homogeneous sample.
Occasionally a specimen does not liquefy. If this occurs, mechanical mixing or treatment with bromelain, a proteolyic enzyme, may be necessary to promote liquefaction.
