Sperm donor screening is an essential genetic test for new donors
Sperm donor screening is a fundamental genetic test for donors. If a donor candidate has a mutation in one of the genes analyzed, the candidate cannot become a donor.
The test analyzes genetic mutations in genes responsible for rare diseases with a recessive mode of inheritance. Genes are selected according to the ethnic origin of the donor and the prevalence of rare diseases in the ethnic group; therefore, the number of genes analyzed may change.
Anybody can be a healthy carrier of a mutation without knowing. If the man and the woman are carrying a disease-causing mutation, there is a risk of passing it on to the next generation and then the child will be sick.
Using a family member as a donor does not reduce the risk. The risk is due to hereditary diseases inherited through genetic material from one generation to the next. In most cases, families are unaware that there are carriers among them and then conditions suddenly appear in the family; this happens in disorders with recessive inheritance.
Recessive inheritance means that a person can carry disease-related mutations without being aware.
Two copies of the same mutated gene, one in the woman and one in the man, cause the disease.
Some genetic mutations are specific to some ethnic groups. Amplexa offer tailored test with specific genes for each ethnic group.
The test is individual and the number of genes screened may vary from case to case.
To do the test, a sample of saliva or blood is necessary. To collect the saliva sample, we will send a sample collection kit with instructions for collecting the sample, and shipping instructions for sending the sample to Amplexa Genetics.
You can expect a response no later than four weeks after we have received your sample.
Sperm Donor Screening investigates genetic mutations associated with prevalent recessive diseases. The test provides crucial knowledge about any risks associated with using the donor for fertility treatment. Knowing the underlying genetic risks of a potential donor can help the clinic make informed decisions and exclude potential risk factors from the donor program.
Genetic variants are evaluated according to the ACMG guidelines. Based on the evaluation, variants are classified into five classes:
All variants are evaluated based on current knowledge, and interpretation may change as new information becomes available.
