What kinds of genetic issues are screened for in the donor's health history?

All donors will have a three-generation family history reviewed by our medical director who is a pediatric clinical geneticist. The family history will present information on illnesses and birth defects noted in the individual family members, causes of death, history of miscarriage or reproductive failure, and any known hereditary disorder. Any donor applicant whose children are at an increased risk for a serious genetic or hereditary disorder above that expected in the general population, will be excluded.

Donors also have extensive genetic testing including hundreds of genes. Our most recent donors have over 500 genes tested. This identifies donors who are heathy carriers of genetic conditions. But if they have a child with a recipient who is a carrier of the same gene, the risk for that child is now significantly increased for that genetic condition. Clients can use that information to plan a successful pregnancy.

In addition to genetic testing, donors have an in-person physical exam by a physician looking for any issues of concern. They also undergo a psychological evaluation to determine if they have a mental health disorder.