Current practices of commercial cryobanks in screening prospective donors for genetic disease and reproductive risk

To determine how the screening practices of commercial semen banks vary from published guidelines, which factors influence cryobanks to exclude prospective semen donors for genetic reasons, and the current role of clinical geneticists/genetic counselors in evaluating prospective semen donors.

The genetic screening of prospective donors by commercial semen banks was evaluated using written questionnaires completed by bank directors. Responses were analyzed to determine exclusion criteria, adherence to published guidelines, and contribution of genetic professionals.

Semen banks were selected on the basis of membership in the American Association of Tissue Banks and commercial use of semen for artificial insemination by donor.

Semen bank practices as reported by commercial semen bank directors.

Of 37 eligible banks, 16 responded. All screen prospective donors by medical/family history and physical examination, 94% have upper age limits; 63% examine for minor physical defects; 56% routinely karyotype; 81% screen men of ethnic groups at risk for Tay Sachs disease, sickle cell disease and thalassemia; 19% screen all donors; 25% screen all donors for cystic fibrosis and 50% only screen if family history positive. Donor rejection was based on three criteria: mode of inheritance of familial disorder, severity of disease, and availability of carrier/confirmatory testing of donor genotype. Ten of 16 banks have no genetic professional on staff.

Commercial semen banks primarily rely on family history as the major exclusion criterion in genetic screening of donors. Considerable differences exist among semen bank practices in accordance with guidelines published by national agencies. Genetic professionals have a minimal effect overall on evaluation of semen donors.