The screening of donors enrolled in an artificial insemination program

Artificial insemination is currently offered in Ontario to couples when infertility arises from a male factor. The majority of practitioners are using fresh sperm, but because of the threat of transmitted infection, a change to the use of frozen semen, which can be screened concurrently, is anticipated. Screening can prevent the transmission of both genetic and infectious disease and the principles of a possible program are outlined below. Elements of screening include a genetic history, blood count, selected biochemical and serological assays, and a semen analysis and culture. Because of the high cost and the few cases of genetic disease that will be prevented, routine karyotyping is not recommended. It remains to be seen whether changing the donor pool from an unscreened group of medical personnel to a screened sperm bank derived from the general population will provide increased protection for the mother and child.