Blog

Blog written by laboratory staff DG

Modern medical science has made incredible advancements in recent decades especially in the field of reproductive medicine. This is especially true in regards in genetic testing and the work done at Fairfax Cryobank when testing potential donors for genetic disorders. When I began working for the Cryobank, I was struck with the rigorous screening process that occurs to find potential donors. In fact, only about 1 in 200 applicants are accepted into the donor program. One aspect of the screening process includes testing for a multitude of genetic disorders including beta thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, tay sachs, and spinal muscular atrophy.

So you may ask what is the big deal and why is genetic testing so important? Genetic testing can reveal whether a person carries gene mutations associated with certain inherited diseases. By completing these genetic tests we are able to exclude any potential donor that has a possibly of passing on these inherited diseases to an offspring. This gives you the knowledge that you confidently select a donor because he has undergone our rigorous application process including completion of genetic testing.