Blog

Blog written by Laboratory Staff VN

A designated, known, or directed semen donor is a donor of semen used to inseminate a nonsexually intimate partner. Recently we have seen a substantial increase in numbers of the Directed Donor (DD) cases processed at the Fairfax Cryobank. I want to answer some questions we hear the most often.

1. The DD program is not cheap. Is it worth the cost?

Yes, it is. I believe the cost is fully justified not only from the company’s standpoint but from a client’s perspective as well. On average, each specimen collection (ejaculate) results into 3-10 frozen vials. When we compare that with the price of a single IUI-prep vial, ranging from $350 and up, we are talking about an almost instantaneous recovery of all clients’ expenses. And should I mention that all vials are stored at the same flat rate regardless of their numbers?

2. Is the 180-days quarantine on stored specimens mandatory?

Some states, Virginia and Maryland for example, require the 180-days quarantine followed by a subsequent re-test of Directed Donors for infectious diseases. Some others states- Nevada, California, and Hawaii, just to name a few, do not have these requirements. Fairfax Cryobank does require a 6 month quarantine of semen samples and retesting prior to the release of DD specimens.

3. Where do I start?

A phone call to Client Services 800-338-8407 gets you connected to the person at one of the Cryobank locations (Austin, Fairfax, Philadelphia or Roseville) where a designated staff member will handle your case from start to finish. We answer all questions, guide you through paperwork and ensure that the process is completed according to the current FDA regulations. The lab assesses the potential risk of using Directed Donor’s sperm upon progression of each case. The Donor Risk Assessment form gets written and then exchanged with the recipient’s physician before the initial appointment with the Cryobank is made. That allows both parties – a physician’s office and a recipient – to be aware of Donor’s medical history and all of the potential pitfalls before scheduling the Donor’s first visit and, therefore, withdrawing the case if necessary free of charge.

For more information about our Known Donor program visit our website: https://fairfaxcryobank.com/DesignatedDonor.shtml