The Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory has two major programs: serum testing of reproductive hormones, and diagnostic and therapeutic andrology services.
Serum testing of reproductive hormones is used for diagnosis of infertility in males and females, maternal screening for adverse fetal outcomes and evaluation of patient response to hormonal manipulations undertaken as part of an assisted reproductive cycle (IVF).
Additionally, some endocrine markers can be elaborated by neoplastic tissues and are informative as tumor markers. The full roster of testing includes FSH, LH, Testosterone, DHEA-S, Prolactin, AFP, B-HCG, Estradiol, progesterone and SXHBG.
Andrology services encompass diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. Semen analysis is the primary diagnostic modality, performed by computerized image analysis and reported using expected results for fertile males. The laboratory also prepares whole semen for intrauterine insemination (IUI) through a process of washing and sperm concentration.
The Reproductive Endocrinology lab also operates a non-donor sperm bank which serves the oncology and assisted reproductive technology (ART) community. Typical patients are men with cancer about to undergo fertility reducing procedures such as chemotherapy or surgery, or infertility patients taking part in an IVF or IUI program.
The reproductive endocrinology laboratory at BWH does not process semen from anonymous donors, nor do we sell or market donated frozen sperm. Rather, use is intended for the known partners of the male patients we serve.
Physician Referrals
All services require a physician referral. In the case of blood testing, this is usually a physician-initiated test request. All andrology services require a completed Andrology Order Form.
This form must be FAXED (617-730-2880) directly to the lab in advance of the patient visit, or brought by the patient at the time of the first visit. Note that an ICD-10 code for each test or service must be indicated, and the ordering physician’s name, address, and phone number must be included.
Hours
The laboratory is open Monday through Friday, 7 am – 4 pm. We receive patients for all andrology services from 7 – 10:30 am weekdays, and for IUI prep on weekends only from 8 am – 1 pm.
Semen banking requires an advance appointment that can be made through the Repro Endo Lab by calling 617-732-7505.
Directions to the Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory
Patients seeking diagnostic andrology (semen analysis) or therapeutic services (IUI wash or sperm banking) should come to the lab located on the third floor of the Amory Building at 75 Francis Street.
After entering at the main entrance of 75 Francis Street, make an immediate right to the Amory Elevator bank behind you and go the third floor. Turn left coming out of the elevators and follow the gray signs on the ceiling to the Reproductive Endocrinology Lab, which is located along the glass walled outer corridor.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory, please contact Mazhar Chaudhry, lab supervisor, at 617-732-7505.
Physicians requesting add-on testing should use the BWH Add On Email in the Mass General Brigham Directory, or call Lab Control at 617-732-7415.
