We summarise and comment on the topics discussed by the contributors to this Special Issue.rnAs an introduction, Ann Jequier\'s [1] generally positive assessment of the new-look manual was tempered with her reservations about reference values, on which other chapters dwelt at length. Aspects of laboratory technique were discussed by Charlene Brazil [2], whose offering gives a rare insight into the actual workings of andrology laboratories and highlights the need for greater involvement of laboratory directors (often clinicians) in assessing the quality of data provided.