What does the genetic evaluation of the sperm donor entail?
The donor candidate must first complete a thorough medical and family history questionnaire and undergo several blood tests to screen for certain genetic disorders (see below). The genetic counselor reviews the donor’s profile application and confirms that his genetic tests were negative. Each donor then has a phone interview with the genetic counselor and a detailed three-generation family history, or pedigree, is constructed. Special care is taken to identify any history that would increase the risk for the donor’s offspring to have inherited forms of mental retardation, birth defects, and/or other significant disease. A report is created by the genetic counselor to summarize the donor’s history as well as to recommend any additional genetic testing.
