Sperm bank

cell

The choice of donors for our program is based of the following criteria:

  • Be generally between 21 and 45 years of age;
  • Be fit and healthy;
  • Have no family history of genetics disorders;
  • Have normal semen analyses and semen must freeze and thaw successfully;
  • Have blood tests including the HIV virus, Hepatitis В&С and Syphilis;
  • Be screened for Thalassaemia and cystic fibrosis.

To overcome the “window period” of incubation of AIDS, sperm is frozen and stored for six months. After that time the donor has repeat blood tests for HIV. If the second test is clear, the semen can be released for use in the program. We continue to use a donor until a maximum of 3 live births has been achieved.

Couples select a donor whose characteristics best approximate the husband’s characteristics or a combination of the characteristics of both the husband and wife.

Each donor is given a code number and the non-identifying information available for the couple includes:

  • Blood group;
  • Physical characteristics – height, build, eye color, skin tone;
  • Education;
  • Occupation;
  • Interests and hobbies.