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Genetic Studies for Gamete and Embryo Donors

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Occasionally, IVF Clinics offer their patients reproductive options that include gamete or embryo donation. The Spanish law regulates donor study protocols, establishing basic controls to guarantee their psychophysical health (Law 14/2006).

From a genetic point of view, the law contemplates that donors must not suffer "...genetic, hereditary or infectious diseases transmittable to offspring" (Chapter II, Article 5, Item 6). Within this context there are a series of anomalies that, due to their high incidence in the general population, require a special genetic study that exceeds the detection capacity of karyotype analysis.

International Recommendations

Recently, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine1, the French Federation CECOS (Centre dEtude et de Conservation des Oeufs et du Sperme)2, the HFEA (Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority)3 and before them the National Health Organization4 and the British Andrology Society5, have published a series of directives on donor selection criteria. These societies highlight the fact that gametes and embryos with identified "genetic risk" should not be considered in donation cycles.

The following table shows the minimum recommended genetic tests that are directly related to the origin of the donors.

    Genetic Studies for Gamete and Embryo Donors
    Ethnic group Recommended Genetic Test
    Mediterranean
  • b-Thalassaemia
    		•
    Asian
  • a-Thalassaemia
    		•
    Eastern European
  • Tay-Sachs Disease

  • Canavan Disease
    		•
    African
  • Sickle Cell Anaemia
    		•
    All groups
  • Karyotype

  • Cystic Fibrosis

  • Specific genetic tests based on each particular family genetic history
    • ( Support form)


    All samples sent to Sistemas Genómicos must be attached to an application form and informed consent form. Download the updated version of each document.


    • Application form for molecular-genetic analysis of hereditary pathologies

    • Application form for constitutional cytogenetic study

    • Informed consent for genetic study





      • References

      1. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine. 2002 Guidelines for gamete and embryo donation: a practice committee report. Guidelines and minimum standards. Fertil Steril 2004; 82(suppl 1),S8-S15.

      2. Eydoux P, Thepot F, Fellmann F, Francannet C, Simon-Bouy B, Jouannet P, Bresson JL, Siffroi JP; Commission de Genetique de la Federation Francaise des CECOS. How can the genetic risks of embryo donation be minimized? Proposed guidelines of the French Federation of CECOS (Centre d'Etude et de Conservation des Oeufs et du Sperme). Hum Reprod. 2004;19(8):1685-1688.

      3. Assessing and Screening Potential Donors. In: Human Fertilization Embryology Authority Code of Practice, 6th Edition. 2003, 38-40.

      4. Gamete source, manipulation and disposition. In: Current Practices and Controversies in Assisted Reproduction. Report of a meeting on "Medical, Ethical and Social Aspects of Assisted Reproduction" pp:166-176. WHO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland, 1721 September 2001.

      5. British Andrology Society. British Andrology Society guidelines for the screening of semen donors for donor insemination (1999). Hum Reprod. 1999;14(7):1823-1826.