Fairfax Cryobank is the first donor sperm bank to launch an online tool that provides clients and their physicians with updated information about a sperm donor's medical status. Information is available about men who began donating as far back as 1986.
The new system, Check Donor Medical Status, tells clients and physicians if a donor has been placed in a special classification because the Cryobank has learned of a medical situation in an offspring, a donor’s family or the donor himself that indicates using the sperm could lead to an increased risk for transmission of a hereditary condition. Clients are advised to check the donor's medical status before using sperm or embryos that have been stored. Clients sometimes store sperm or embryos created with donor sperm because they hope to have biological siblings for an existing child. Clients also can check on their donor’s health as their donor conceived children grow. Eventually, donor conceived children can review their donor’s medical status before having their own children.
“Instant online access to donor medical information is extremely helpful to patients. They want immediate access and now they have it”
"Fairfax Cryobank works diligently to ensure the highest quality donors through rigorous screening followed by a commitment to continued medical updates over time," says Michelle Ottey, PhD, Director of Operations. Only 1% of applicants pass Fairfax Cryobank’s selection process. In addition to exhaustive genetic and infectious disease testing (which far exceeds testing required by the FDA and other authorities), each donor is queried about more than 100 different health conditions that could be hereditary.
A physical exam is required every 6 months while donating. Donors are expected to stay in touch with the Cryobank and report medical updates. The Cryobank has recently implemented an easy online tool for donors to update their medical and personal information. This will be used for an annual update solicited by the Cryobank, but can also be used anytime the donor has updated information. If the Cryobank receives a report of an offspring with a medical problem, the Cryobank follows a specific protocol: Donors are reclassified as "under investigation" or "restricted" while the investigation occurs. If a donor is restricted, Fairfax Cryobank informs all doctors of record who had a patient who used that donor. Patients who conceived, had a child and or have units or embryos in storage are notified of the change in the donor's status.
Fairfax Cryobank clients have access to extensive information about donors' health when they are selecting a donor. "Instant online access to donor medical information is extremely helpful to patients. They want immediate access and now they have it," says Harvey Stern, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Fairfax Cryobank.
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