Recipient testing
Once you have made the decision to use an egg donor, there is additional screening that needs to be completed. As a female recipient, you will need an Hysterosonogram or Hysterosalpingogram so the doctor can evaluate your uterus and ensure that you can carry a pregnancy. As mentioned in my previous blog, you will also need to meet with a psychologist. You will have routine blood work done such as a complete blood count, day three hormones, TSH, prolactin and ultrasound. We also check your immunities for rubella and varicella.
If the recipient female is over the age of 45, there are additional tests that need to be completed such as a mammogram, stress EKG. Select patients may be asked to see a high-risk pregnancy specialist for a pre-conceptional consultation.
Both of the intended parents will be tested for an infectious disease panel including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and RPR. Both partners are also tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
Donor testing
The donor is thoroughly screened as well. Aside from the pre-screening that she completes to be eligible to participate in our program that includes day three hormones, ultrasound, psychological evaluation and an interview with a genetic counselor, she also is tested for the infectious disease panel, a complete blood count, a comprehensive metabolic panel, drug and nicotine screen, PT & PTT, blood type and she also is drawn for genetic testing. We usually test all of our donors for the following genetic diseases:
- Bloom Syndrome
- Canavan Disease
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Familial Dysautonomia
- Fanconi Anemia Type C
- Gaucher Disease
- Hb Beta Chain-Related Hemoglobinopathy
- Hexosaminidase A Deficiency
- Mucolipidosis IV
- Niemann-Pick Disease, SMPD1-Associated
A positive test result would be followed by her removal or suspension from our program based on the guidelines set forth by the Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Practice Committee of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). Some tests would result in immediate removal from our program with no hope to participate in the future, and some result in treatment for a specific condition and then a waiting period to be completed before re-testing and possible acceptance into our program.
These tests may seem extreme but they are really just performed in the best interest for all parties involved in doing an egg donor cycle. We want to protect everyone and ensure no one is being put at risk in agreeing to do a cycle.
