Egg donor candidates complete a comprehensive questionnaire and participate in an in-depth interview assessing risk behaviors, symptoms of disease, and family medical history. The medical exam includes a psychological assessment and a background check to ensure the emotional stability of the donor.
In addition to this, our in-house nurses do an extensive screening process to ensure potential donors are in good health, meet body mass criteria and provide a genetic history. Seasonal screening is also done for Zika and donors will be unable to donate if they have traveled to any Zika-prone areas.
Egg donor candidates are tested in accordance with the FDA guidance for infectious diseases. We also test for 8 genetic diseases, which includes Fragile X. Candidates with a family history or serious hereditary mental and or physical diseases are rejected. Donors are additionally screened for normal karyotype.
Our screening meets and exceeds, the donor screening guidelines required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Despite this thorough selection and screening procedure, the risk of having a child with a medical condition cannot be eliminated.
How we handle a discovered genetic condition in a donor
If a child is reported to have a discovered condition based off the genetic standing of the donor, the donor is then removed from the roster and put on hold during analysis and investigation.
Looking into the reported condition, if it is found that the donor might be the cause of the condition then the condition is registered on the donor’s files and summary of records whereas consent must be signed before using the genetic material of the donor.
If it is found that the donor is not the cause of the reported condition in the donor child, then the donor’s genetic material is released back onto the database for further use.
We understand the importance of a clear and concise donor process and work diligently to understand and meet the needs of every client.