Dissecting the Differences: Moving Towards Standardized Sperm Extraction and Processing Practices
There are no standardized practices among embryology laboratories and reproductive urologists when performing microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). Fresh versus frozen, tissue examination time and technique, service location and decision making methods all vary. Establishing a standardized approach could help align practices across disciplines, fostering collaboration and promoting consistency within and between urologists and embryology laboratories. The Society for Reproductive Biologists and Technologists (SRBT) and Society for Male Reproduction and Urology (SMRU) are hosting a webinar to understand practice patterns among members. The goal is to improve and standardize the micro-TESE and other urological sperm harvest and processing procedures.
Moderator: Mary Katherine Samplaski, MD, Vas Web, Fl
Speakers:
Learning Objectives:
- To review factors associated with successful sperm retrieval with testicular sperm extraction procedures.
- To gauge reproductive urologist practice patterns regarding quantity and methodology of testicular tissue retrieval.
- To survey reproductive urologist interaction with andrology lab personnel with respect to testicular tissue handling.
- To review current lab tissue processing practices based on our recent survey results.
- To discuss the urology lab “toolbox” available to maximize sperm yield.
- To survey urology and lab experts to standardize cut-offs of a usable sample.
Moderator: Mary Katherine Samplaski, MD, Vas Web, Fl
Speakers:
- Liesl Nel-Themaat, PHD, MBA, HCLD, Univ of Colorado
- Peter N Schlegel, MD, Weill Cornell Medicine
- Mitchel C. Schiewe, MS, PhD, Ovation Fertility
November 12, 2026
4:30 PM CT - 5:30 PM CT
4:30 PM CT - 5:30 PM CT
Don't miss out on this exciting webinar!
Register Now
Can't attend live? The recording will be available on ASRM Academy after the event.
Upcoming Virtual Sessions
Nov 12, 2026, Dissecting the Differences: Moving Towards Standardized Sperm Extraction and Processing Practices
Join SRBT and SMRU on November 12 for a webinar on micro-TESE sperm retrieval, tissue processing, and standardizing urology and embryology lab practices.
Dec 1, 2026, 5:00 PM CT - In Vitro Spermatogenesis & Heritable Disease: De Novo Mutations, Oligozoospermia & $7M /10 yr Graph
Explore de novo sperm mutations, oligozoospermia, heritable disease, patient counseling, and emerging in vitro spermatogenesis technologies.
ASRM Academy
ASRM Academy Digital
Educational Virtual Sessions
Panel discussions on topics to enhance your knowledge of all facets of reproductive medicine
ASRM Academy Online
Certificate Courses and Training Modules
View the specially crafted certificate courses and training modules available from ASRM Academy
ASRM Academy Digital
Podcasts
The ASRM Family of Podcasts were developed with both health professionals and the layman in mind
ASRM Academy On the Go
MedTalks
Head to the highlights! Stay up to date with engaging video excerpts from webinars and courses that cover a topic in 7 minutes or less.
ASRM Academy on the Go
ASRM MAC Tool 2021
The ASRM Müllerian Anomaly Classification 2021 (MAC2021) includes cervical and vaginal anomalies and standardize terminology within an interactive tool format.
ASRM Academy on the Go
ASRM EDGE Tool
Get the EDGE on embryo identification! EDGE allows you to compare your grading of embryos against embryologists in the US and around the world.
ASRM Academy on the Go
ASRM ClinIQ
Practice reproductive medicine with ASRM ClinIQ: interactive clinical questions, expert feedback, and board preparation delivered by email, text, or WhatsApp.
Topic Resources
View more on the topic of sperm
Fertility and Sterility On Air - TOC: July 2026
Fertility and Sterility On Air covers latest reproductive medicine research, journal highlights, AI sperm detection, ART studies, and expert discussion roundup. Listen to the Episode
ASRM Today Season 5 Finale: Sperm Mixing
Explore the medical, ethical, and legal considerations of sperm mixing, including family building, IVF, parentage, and reproductive law. Listen to the Episode
The Silent Unnecessary Risk We Take: How to Prevent Sample Damage In the Middle of a Cryotank Failure
Cryopreservation is the lifeline of fertility treatment. What happens when the unthinkable occurs—a cryotank failure?Read the Blog post
Disclosure of medical errors and untoward events involving gametes and embryos: an Ethics Committee opinion (2024)
Medical providers have an ethical duty to disclose clinically significant errors involving gametes and embryos. View the Committee Opinion
Journal Club Global en Español: De la Reunión de la SAMER 2024
Onsite de la Reunión de la Sociedad Argentina de Medicina Reproductiva (SAMER) de Córdoba, Argentina View the Video
Semen analysis and thaw code
Can we use the semen analysis presence and motility (89300) code along with a reproductive tissue thaw code (89354) View the Answer
TESE test thaws
We perform test thaws to determine if frozen TESE specimens from other clinics are suitable for our procedures. View the Answer
Sperm wash/IUI
Is CPT code 89260 is correct to use for our sperm wash/IUI procedure? View the Answer
A Few Good Sperm: The Critical Role of the Male Reproductive Urologist
REI consults involve thorough female evaluations with recommended male infertility assessment, including semen analysis per ASRM guidelines and urology referrals. View the ASRMed Talk Video
Prewashed Sperm
I have a question regarding prewashed sperm and billing for this service. View the Answer
Reproductive Tissue Storage
What are the CPT codes for the Storage of Reproductive Cells/Tissues? View the Answer
Retrograde Semen Analysis
What CPT code would you suggest for retrograde semen analysis? View the Answer
Semen Analysis and Interpretation
My IVF lab does a full semen analysis with strict morphology. View the Answer
Semen Analysis Code Types
Can you explain the differences between the semen analysis codes? View the Answer
Semen Analysis CPT and CLIA Certification
Listed below are the two coding corner responses that seem to provide conflicting information regarding CPT code 58323. View the Answer
Semen Analysis For Assessment of Fertility
What is the appropriate diagnostic code to use for a semen analysis for the assessment of infertility? View the Answer
Semen Analysis of Pellet
What is the CPT code for a semen pellet analysis? View the Answer
Semen Freezing
We have a couple who are doing an IUI cycle. View the Answer
Semen Leukocyte Assay
What CPT code is applicable for a Semen Leukocyte Analysis or a Reflex Leukocyte Assay?View the Answer
Semen Morphology Without Analysis
What is the appropriate code for Strict Criteria Morphology alone (without semen analysis)? View the Answer
Sperm DNA Fragmentation
Is there a CPT code for HALO DNA Fragmentation for sperm? View the Answer
Sperm Prep No Male Patient
Is it appropriate to bill sperm washing/prep for IUI to the female or should it be billed to the male? View the Answer
Sperm Prep With Handling Fee
Could we charge for the thaw of sperm, then a handling fee (99000) to represent the fact that the sperm was prewashed? View the Answer
Sperm Viability Assay
Is there a separate CPT code for sperm viability? View the Answer
IUI
We are seeing conflicting information about the correct ICD-10 diagnosis code for the CPT 58322, Artificial l Insemination, Intra-uterine. View the Answer
Lab Case Rates
What ICD-10 codes apply to case rates? View the Answer
Office Testicular Aspiration
We are inquiring about a coding question for testicular aspirations. View the Answer
Gamete Thawing/Warming
Can patients be charged for each vial/straw of reproductive gametes or tissues thawed? View the Answer
Donor Sperm IUI Single Women
How do I code for therapeutic donor insemination for an unmarried female with no known fertility issues except no partner? View the Answer
