Other aspects of specimen collection that must be considered are the temperature of the specimen and the time needed to transport it to the laboratory.

• Ideally, the specimen should be collected in a room at the testing site.
• If on-site collection is not possible, the specimen should be kept at body temperature (37°C) from the time of collection until it arrives at the laboratory. This can be facilitated by holding the container close to the body, for example by carrying it in an inside pocket.
• Semen should arrive at the laboratory as soon as possible after collection, preferably within one hour.
• Lubricants should not be used for collection unless absolutely necessary as most lubricants are toxic to sperm. If lubricant must be used then non-toxic forms such as KY jelly or cooking oil should be the only options.