Recommendations for gam
and embryo donation:
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more consistent and incorporates recent such as serologic tests. Thedistinctionbe-
ting of the recipients of donated
etes, the American Society for
roductive Medicine (ASRM) recom-
tionally, state requirements may be
FDA, and
check with
state where
determine
e-
a-
ht
n,
of
y
v-
o-
sue Banks (AATB). The risks for trans-
mission of STIs via donations of sperm,
oocytes, and embryos differ, and
leukocyte-rich semen donation poses
nors apply to potential donors in the
United States. Because the prevalence
of STIs and genetic diseases may vary
in other locales, these guidelines may
minimum screening and testing r
quirements for their state.
The promulgation of FDA regul
tions has added considerable oversig
to gamete and embryo donatio
including mandatory registration
all assisted reproductive technolog
(ART) programs with the federal go
ernment, federal inspections of pr
Received September 19, 2012; accepted September 21, 2012; published online October 22, 2012.
No reprints will be available.
Correspondence: Practice Committee, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 1209 Montgom-
ery Hwy., Birmingham, AL 35216 (E-mail: ASRM@asrm.org).
information from the US Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), and American Association of Tis-
tween screening and testing is consistent
within the document.
These guidelines for the screening
and testing of gamete and embryo do-
more restrictive than the
clinics are encouraged to
government officials in the
their practice is located to
mitted infections (STIs), genetic dis-
eases, and psychological assessments.
The current document represents an ef-
fort to make the screening guidelines
for donors of embryos and gametes
risk for a given disease, such as human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), transmis-
sible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE),
or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). ‘‘Test-
ing’’ refers to specific laboratory studies
mends testing of recipients as
described. Other areas where the
ASRM recommendations may be more
stringent than the FDA minimum re-
quirements are noted in the text. Addi-
T he 2012 Recommendations forGamete and Embryo Donationprovide the latest recommenda-
tions for evaluation of potential sperm,
oocyte, and embryo donors, incorporat-
ing recent information about optimal
screening and testing for sexually trans-
unique risks that are reflected in the
recommendations.
These guidelines use terminology
from the federal agencies in addition to
the AATB. In that context, the term
‘‘screening’’ refers to specific historical
factors thatplacean individual at ahigher
not
or
Sta
the
tes
gam
Rep
be appropriate for other countries
individuals who come to the United
tes from other countries. Whereas
FDA does not require screening or
committee-opinion/
* Download a free QR code scanner by searching for “QR
scanner” in your smartphone’s app store or app marketplace.
a committee
The Practice Committee of the Americ
the Society for Assisted Reproductive
American Society for Reproductive Medicin
This document provides the latest recomme
information about optimal screening and t
This revised document incorporates recen
Drug Administration, and the American
donation services must be thoroughly fam
lines for Gamete and Embryo Donation: A
Steril 2008;90:S30–44. (Fertil Steril� 2013
ductive Medicine.)
Earn online CME credit related to this do
Discuss: You can discuss this article with
fertstertforum.com/goldsteinj-recommen
Fertility and Sterility® Vol. 99, No. 1, January 2013 0
Copyright ©2013 American Society for Reproductive
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.09.037
VOL. 99 NO. 1 / JANUARY 2013
opinion
Society for Reproductive Medicine an
hnology
nd Society for Assisted Reproductive Techn
tions for evaluation of potential sperm, ooc
ing for sexually transmitted infections, gen
formation from the U.S. Centers for Disea
ssociation of Tissue Banks, with which
r, and replaces the document titled, ‘‘2008 G
ctice Committee Report,’’ last published in
:47–62. �2013 by American Society for R
ment at www.asrm.org/elearn
uthors and with other ASRM members at h
ions-gamete-and-embryo-donation-
015-0282/$36.00
Medicine, Published by Elsevier Inc.
ete
he Practice Committee of
gy, Birmingham, Alabama
, and embryo donors, incorporating recent
diseases, and psychological assessments.
ontrol and Prevention, the US Food and
programs offering gamete and embryo
e-
til
o-
://
Use your smartphone
to scan this QR code
and connect to the
discussion forum for
this article now.*
grams that are performing donation,
required documentation, and written
47
T
a
T
a
re
m
(H
re
s
o
lo
c
re
in
w
II. I
IV.
V.
ASRM PAGES
abnormalities.
B. The male partner has ejaculatory dysfunction.
C. The male partner demonstrates significant male factor
infertility (i.e., significant oligoasthenospermia or
prior failure to fertilize after insemination in vitro
and intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI] is not
elected or feasible).
D. Themale partner has a significant genetic defect or the
couple previously has produced an offspring affected
by a condition for which carrier status cannot be
determined.
E. The male partner has a sexually transmissible infec-
tion that cannot be eradicated.
F. The female partner is Rh-negative and severely Rh-
isoimmunized and the male partner is Rh-positive.
G. Females without male partners.
III. Psychological consultation for recipients
The decision to proceed with donor insemination is com-
plex, and patients and their partners (if applicable) may
benefit from psychological counseling to aid in this deci-
sion. The clinician should strongly recommend psycho-
logical counseling by a qualified mental health
professional to all donor sperm recipients and their part-
ners. The assessment should include a clinical interview
and, where appropriate, psychological testing. The clini-
cian should require psychological consultation for cou-
ples in whom factors appear to warrant further
evaluation. In cases of directed donation, the potential
48
herapeutic donor insemination (TDI) may be used to
chieve pregnancy where appropriate indications exist.
he clinical procedures should take into account the age
nd health status of the recipient. The FDA has published
quirements for the screening and testing of donors of hu-
an cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products
CT/Ps), which are included here. These are the minimum
quirements mandated by the federal government. In
ome instances, the federal requirements may be less rigor-
us than those in the state in which an individual practice is
cated or than those recommended by ASRM and the So-
iety for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). It is the
sponsibility of all clinics to know the regulations of their
dividual states and local municipalities and to comply
ith those standards.
ndications for TDI
A. The male partner has azoospermia, severe oligozoo-
spermia, or other significant sperm or seminal fluid
protocols attendant to donor screening, testing, selection, re-
jection, and follow-up. Complete records of all donor cycles,
including documentation of adherence to FDA regulations,
must be made available to FDA inspectors at their request.
Federal regulations may be viewed at the followingWeb sites:
http://www.fda.gov/cber/tiss.htm
http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/default.htm
http://www.fda.gov/cber/rules/gtp.pdf
GUIDELINES FOR SPERM DONATION
I. Introduction
impact of the relationship between the donor and recipi-
counseling:
1. Although there are no federal requirements for test-
ing donor sperm recipients, the following tests are
recommended:
B. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1 antibody [AB]
and nucleic acid testing [NAT]), HIV-2 AB testing and
screening, or testing for HIV group O antibodies on the
male partner is strongly recommended. If the male
partner is HIV infected, he should be referred to an ap-
propriate infectious disease specialist for counseling
on safe sex practices for preventing HIV transmission,
on treatment options, and on other issues concerning
HIV disease. A positive HIV test result for the male
partner should not be used as an exclusionary crite-
rion for treatment of a couple with TDI.
C. Testing for other STIs similar to that recommended for
the female partner (detailed in section V) is encour-
aged. This includes:
1. Serologic test for syphilis.
2. Hepatitis B surface antigen.
3. Hepatitis B core antibody (IgG and IgM).
4. Hepatitis C antibody and NAT.
5. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis
NAT on urine or a swab obtained from the urethral
meatus.
Note: There are no FDA-licensed, approved, or cleared
tests for donor screening of these organisms in an
asymptomatic, low-prevalence population. Tests using
NAT technology adequately and appropriately reduce
the risk of transmission of these relevant communica-
ble agents.
6. Human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type I
and II also may be obtained at the discretion of
the clinician in the appropriate clinical setting.
Evaluation of the female recipient
A. Routine medical and reproductive history should be
obtained according to the standards that are applied
to women anticipating pregnancy. Abnormalities
detected from history or physical examination may
require more detailed evaluation and treatment before
proceeding with insemination.
B. A complete general physical examination should be
performed, including a pelvic examination.
C. Standard preconceptional screening, testing, and
TDI.
ent should be explored, as well as any plans that may exist
relating to disclosure and future contact.
Evaluation of the partner
A. The partner in any couple that requests TDI should
have completed an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Medical records should be reviewed before performing
the insemination procedure. If appropriate, alternative
treatments should be discussed with the couple. While
not required by the FDA, infectious disease testing of
the male partner is recommended by the ASRM to ad-
dress any potential medical/legal issues that could
arise should the partner seroconvert during or after
a. Blood type, Rh factor, and antibody screen.
VOL. 99 NO. 1 / JANUARY 2013
D. D
1.
E. Ev
ab
F. Pa
se
ra
to
G
VI. D
A
VOL. 99 NO
Fertility and Sterility®
ferred to an appropriate infectious disease spe-
cialist for counseling on issues concerning HIV
disease, including reproductive issues such as
safe sex practices for preventing HIV transmis-
sion to uninfected partners and treatment op-
tions to reduce the probability of transmission
to her child. A positive HIV test of the female re-
cipient should not be used as an exclusionary cri-
terion for treatment with TDI as long as the
couple makes an informed decision after coun-
seling and agrees to comply with recommended
clinical management for the positive HIV status
during pregnancy.
e. Serologic test for syphilis.
f. Hepatitis B surface antigen.
g. Hepatitis B core antibody (IgG and IgM).
h. Hepatitis C antibody and NAT.
i. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody (IgG and IgM).
For women who test positive for active infection
(positive urine or throat culture or paired serum
samples demonstrating a four-fold rise in IgG anti-
body and IgM antibody at least 30% of the IgG
level), attempts to conceive should be postponed
until they no longer exhibit active infection, owing
to the risk of transmitting the infection to their fe-
tus and the serious potential consequences of fetal
CMV infection.
j. HTLV type I and II alsomay be obtained at the dis-
cretion of the clinician in the appropriate clinical
setting.
ocumentation and timing of ovulation
Womenwith regular cyclicmenses andmolimina are
assumed to be ovulating. When doubt exists, an in-
dex of ovulation, such as serum progesterone level,
basal body temperature recordings, LH surge detec-
tion, and ultrasound monitoring of follicular matu-
ration, may be used to document ovulation.
Appropriate timing of the insemination procedure
optimizes chances for success.
aluation for possible tubal or peritoneal
normalities
tients who fail to conceive after 4 to 6well-timed in-
minations may be candidates for hysterosalpingog-
phy (HSG), laparoscopy, or other appropriate tests
b. Rubella and varicella titers. Vaccination should
be offered if the individual is not immune to ei-
ther virus.
c. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachoma-
tis NAT on urine or a swab obtained from the cer-
vix, urethral meatus, or vagina.
d. HIV-1 (AB and NAT), HIV-2 AB testing, and test-
ing or screening for HIV group O antibodies
should be performed to address potential medi-
cal/legal complications that could arise if the re-
cipient seroconverts during or after treatment. In
addition, if the female recipient is found to be
HIV-infected before treatment, she should be re-
detect possible causes for their failure to conceive.
. 1 / JANUARY 2013
2. Genetic evaluation
Genetic screening for heritable diseases should be
performed in potential sperm donors. Testing for
cystic fibrosis carrier status should be performed
on all donors. Other genetic testing should be per-
can be applied (1).
mended for all sperm donors. The assessment
should include a clinical interview and, where ap-
propriate, psychological testing. Psychological con-
sultation should be required for individuals in whom
there appear to be factors that warrant further eval-
uation. In cases of directed donation, psychological
evaluation and counseling are strongly recommen-
ded for the donor and his partner (if applicable) as
well as for the recipient female and her partner (if ap-
plicable). The potential impact of the relationship
between the donor and recipient should be explored.
The psychological assessment also should address
the potential psychological risks and evaluate for ev-
idence of coercion (financial or emotional). It is im-
portant to ascertain whether the donor is well
informed about the extent to which information
about him might be disclosed and about any plans
that may exist relating to future contact.
5. No owner, operator, laboratory director, or em-
ployee of a facility performing TDI may serve as
a donor in that practice.
6. Neither the patient's physician nor the individual
performing the actual insemination can be the
sperm donor.
B. Screening and testing of donors
1. Semen testing
a. It is suggested that more than one sample be ex-
amined (each after a 2- to 5-day abstinence inter-
val) before proceeding with a more extensive
evaluation of the donor candidate.
b. The sample should be examined within 1 to 2
hours after ejaculation into a sterile container.
The criteria used to judge the normality of the
sample can vary among laboratories. There are
no uniformly accepted standards, but, in general,
the minimum criteria for normal semen quality
Pretreatment HSG or laparoscopy may be indicated
by the history and/or physical findings.
. Informed consent should be obtained from the patient
(and her partner, if applicable).
onors
. Selection of donor
1. The main qualities to seek in selecting a donor for
TDI are an assurance of good health status and the
absence of known genetic abnormalities.
2. The donor should be of legal age and, ideally, less
than 40 years of age.
3. Selection of donors with established fertility is desir-
able but not required.
4. Psychological evaluation and counseling by a quali-
fied mental health professional is strongly recom-
formed as indicated by the donor's ethnic
49
bac
dat
Ch
req
ing
3. Me
a.
b.
50
ASRM PAGES
12 months through percutaneous inocula-
tion or contact with an open wound, non-
intact skin, or mucous membrane to blood
that is known or suspected to be infected
with HIV, hepatitis B, and/or hepatitis C
virus.
viii. Men who have had close contact (e.g., liv-
ing in the same household wherein shar-
ing of kitchen and bathroom facilities
occurs regularly) within 12 months pre-
ceding the donation with another person
who has hepatitis B or clinically active
(symptomatic) hepatitis C infection.
ix. Men who have been incarcerated in lock-
up, jail, or prison for more than 72 consec-
utive hours within the previous 12months.
x. Menwho have had or have been treated for
kground in accordance with current recommen-
ions after obtaining a proper family history.
romosomal analyses on all sperm donors are not
uired (see Appendix A for further details regard-
genetic screening and testing) (2–4).
dical history
Donors should be healthy and give no history to
suggest hereditary disease.
A complete personal and sexual history should be
obtained to exclude as donors individuals who
might be at high risk for HIV, STIs, or other infec-
tions that might be transmissible via gamete do-
nation. Prospective sperm donors with any of the
following factors should not be accepted (for
a complete list of screening questions, see ‘‘Uni-
form Donor Application’’ at www.sart.org):
i. Men with a history of sex with another
man in the preceding 5 years.
ii. Men who have injected drugs for non-
medical reasons in the preceding 5 years,
including intravenous, intramuscular,
and subcutaneous injections.
iii. Men with hemophilia or other related
clotting disorders who have received
human-derived clotting factor concen-
trates in the preceding 5 years.
iv. Men who received clotting factors once to
treat an acute bleeding event more than
12 months ago may be eligible to donate.
v. Men who have had sex in exchange for
money or drugs in the preceding 5 years.
vi. Menwho have had sex in the preceding 12
months with any person meeting any of
the criteria described immediately above,
or with any person having HIV infection,
including a positive or reactive test to
HIV virus, hepatitis B infection, or clini-
cally active (symptomatic) hepatitis C
infection.
vii. Menwhohave been exposedwithin the last
syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia within
the preceding 12 months. Deferral of do-
nors is not necessary when there is evi-
dence of successful treatment more than
12 months before.
xi. Men who have undergone body piercing
and/or tattooing procedureswithin the pre-
ceding 12 months in which sterile proce-
dures were not used or it is unclear
whether sterile procedures were used (e.g.,
contaminated instruments and/or ink
were used, or shared instruments that had
not been sterilized between uses were
used).
xii. Men who have received a smallpox vacci-
nation (vaccinia virus) for 21 days after
vaccination or until the scab separates
spontaneously and physical examination
confirms the absence of a scab at the vac-
cination site (whichever is later). The do-
nor should be deferred for 2 months if
the scab was removed before spontaneous
separation. If the donor experienced com-
plications from vaccination, he should be
deferred until 14 days after complete res-
olution of those complications. If the do-
nor became infected as a result of close
contact with a person recently vaccinated
for vaccinia, he may be considered eligi-
ble for donation if the scab spontaneously
separated, if 14 days have elapsed since
resolution of all the vaccinia-related com-
plications, or 3 months after the scab was
otherwise removed.
xiii. Men who have had a medical diagnosis or
suspicion of West Nile virus (WNV) infec-
tion (based on symptoms and/or labora-
tory results or confirmed WNV viremia)
should be deferred for 120 days after the
onset of symptoms or diagnosis, which-
ever is later.
xiv. Men who have tested positive or reactive
for WNV infection using an FDA-
licensed or investigational WNV NAT in
the preceding 120 days.
xv. Men who have been diagnosed with var-
iant CJD (vCJD) or any other form of
CJD.
xvi. Men who have been diagnosed with de-
mentia or any other degenerative or de-
myelinating disease of the central
nervous system or other neurologic dis-
e