What is sperm donor genetic screening?
Interested in the details of our sperm donor genetic screening? Potential donors are screened for a list of hereditary diseases to minimize the risk of transferring diseases to children born from their donations. Read about the genetic screening donors at Cryos undergo here.
What does genetic screening involve?
An important part of the screening process is the genetic testing, which includes tests for the most common genetic variants causing:
- Cystic fibrosis
- Hemoglobinopathies (including Alfa thalassemia, Beta thalassemia, and Sickle cell)
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Tay Sachs
- Non-syndromic deafness (GJB2)
These are the most frequent serious hereditary diseases worldwide. The donors are also screened for normal karyotype (chromosome profile). Follow the link to read about the genetic carrier test at Cryos.
Articles about sperm donor screening
- Sperm donor screening at Cryos
- Sperm donor requirements
- Sperm donor pay: Learn how the donors are compensated
Step-by-step explanation of the screening process
Our screening process includes the following parts:
- Step 1 - Physical examination: Donors undergo a thorough physical examination, a sperm quality test and blood and urine tests to screen for infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HTLV.
- Step 2 - Genetic carrier test: A genetic carrier test screens donors for recessive diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Tay-Sachs Disease, and various hemoglobinopathies.
- Step 3 - Medical review of the donor’s family health history: Donors complete a detailed medical questionnaire about their family health history, with ongoing infectious disease testing throughout the donation period to minimize the risk of transmitting diseases.
Let us help you on your journey to parenthood
Our dedicated Customer Care Team is here to assist you with everything from how to choose a sperm donor, where to have your fertility treatment, or when to order donor sperm.
FAQ about sperm donor genetic screening
Are sperm donors genetically tested?
Yes, all sperm donors complete a thorough screening process including genetic testing. The genetic test focuses on the most common genetic variants causing Cystic fibrosis, Hemoglobinopathies (including Alfa thalassemia, Beta thalassemia, and Sickle cell), Spinal muscular atrophy, Tay Sachs, Non-syndromic deafness (GJB2)
Can you test sperm for genetic disorders?
Yes, besides the most common genetic diseases, we can also test for other genetic variants using our Genetic Matching Service. In our Genetic Matching, you can either test for a certain genetic variant or a panel of the most common genetic variants.