About Andrology

The Andrology laboratory is NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accredited (since 1989) to perform diagnostic testing on human semen and sperm banking. The laboratory is staffed by a team of experienced and dedicated medical scientists who are members of either the Medical Scientists Association of Victoria (MSAV) and/or the Fertility Society of Australia (FSA) and Scientists in Reproductive Technology (SIRT).The Scientist in Charge, Associate Professor Gary Clarke has had more than 30 years experience in Andrology and has published many research articles and book chapters in the international scientific literature. His research contributions were recognized in 2005 by the awarding of a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) by the University of Melbourne. Gary has been a NATA Assessor for Medical Testing since 1999 and is a Fellow of the Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences (FQA).

The Andrology laboratory performs approximately 5,000 diagnostic tests and 800 sperm banking procedures annually. The diagnostic tests include semen analysis and sperm antibody assays required by doctors for the medical evaluation of couples presenting with infertility. Sperm banking is performed for couples having IVF treatment, prior to vasectomy or for younger men who are about to undergo cancer treatment which can have detrimental effects on sperm production.

Ongoing research in the Andrology Unit is aimed at improving our knowledge about the role of sperm immunity in infertility and to develop new methods for sperm cryopreservation.

Services

Last Updated 19-Aug-2009. Authorised by: . Enquiries: Rhonda Mason.