Our donors undergo extensive genetic testing
All donors have a chromosome analysis, also known as a karyotype, performed. This looks at the 46 chromosomes for any structural change that would put children at risk. Chromosomes are the whole structure on which genes are found, with thousands of them stacked on each chromosome. Humans have 20,000 genes that make us who we are.
The expanded carrier testing available today looks at several hundred of these genes. Starting in 2018, our donors were tested for 200+ genes, and this testing has grown to over 500 genes for our newest donors. We are all expected to be carriers of several genes, only some of which can be tested for with current technology. But if there is a known carrier status for a specific gene in one parent, it is important for the other to be tested negative before pursuing a pregnancy.
Donors have their genetic carrier testing results available on their webpage as a download.