Egg donor medical screening is an important step for potential egg donors

When you decide to become an egg donor, our Texas Egg Donor program will begin egg donor medical screening. One of the steps we take involves medical testing, including blood tests, lab cultures and genetic screenings. These analyses provide with vital information about your medical background.

Breaking down egg donor medical screening

Our egg donor program strives to protect both donors and intended parents. As part of the initial egg donor screening, we will order a series of blood and urine tests. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends specific screenings.

Blood type and Rh compatibility. Not only will this test determine whether you are A, B, AB, or O, but also if you are Rh positive or Rh negative. Rh typing plays an important role during pregnancy. If the mother is Rh negative but the father is Rh positive, the baby may be positive for the Rh antigen. This can cause the mother’s body to develop antibodies and threaten the pregnancy.

Infectious diseases. Before accepting a potential donor, we need to ensure that she is clear of contagious illnesses, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, which could be transferred to the intended mother as well as the baby.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To qualify as an egg donor, you must not have been exposed to syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Drug use. Recreational drug use increases the risk of infectious diseases as well as overall health problems, so candidates must pass the drug screening, which identifies marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and other illegal drugs. Intravenous drug use at any time automatically disqualifies a candidate from egg donation.

Genetic tests rule out possible defects

With genetic testing, we can help reduce the risk for certain disorders. It can also minimize the chance that a baby will have a birth defect or serious inherited disease.

Depending on the donor, we will screen for diseases with a genetic component, such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), fragile X, beta-thalassemia, sickle cell disease, Tay Sachs and familial dysautonomia. It usually takes several weeks for us to receive the results of the genetic tests.

If you are considering egg donation, we can provide details about the egg donor screening. We want you to feel well informed as you make this decision. Contact us for more information or to make an appointment.