Notice: As of January 1, 2006 we are NOT accepting any new donors. For a current donor list, please contact the Andrology Secretary at 585-275-2491.
Qualifications for Rochester Regional Cryobank Donors
The donors used are frequently medical students, graduate students, college students, or research staff. All donors are in excellent health. Many are married or engaged. They are considered low risk for sexually transmitted diseases. A detailed, explicit questionnaire regarding the donor’s sexual, social, and family history is obtained.
All donors are rigorously selected and screened according to the regulations of the New York State Department of Health, the standards of the American Association of Tissue Banks, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. The following screening tests are performed:
- Semen analysis for every specimen and post-thaw analysis
- Cultures for Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis
- Blood tests for syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Blood type and screening for AIDS (HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-1)
- A complete physical examination
The initial testing must be negative to proceed. Testing (except blood type) is repeated every six months. All donors are tested for Cystic Fibrosis carrier status. Ethnic donors are tested for Tay Sach’s disease, Thalassemia, and Sickle-Cell when indicated.
All sperm are frozen and stored for a minimum of six months with testing repeated at six months in order to release the sperm for artificial insemination. The donors are counseled as to their responsibilities while participating in this program.
A record of the physical and ethnic characteristics of the recipient and her partner will be taken to assist in selection of a donor that is as close a match as possible. Questions relating to blood type, hair and eye color, and ethnic background will be asked. Your confidentiality will be guarded closely. The donor’s identity is also strictly confidential.
We suggest that you consider having a blood test for a rubella titer and cystic fibrosis to determine your blood type. Please discuss this with your referring physician.