Egg Donor Genetic Carrier Screening

All new donors accepted into the Fairfax EggBank program are tested for an expanded list of genetic conditions. Donors are tested with the most advanced genetic carrier screening available when they join the program. Donors available on the website with the expanded panel are signified with a double helix by their donor number and those that are healthy carriers for a genetic condition will have a “C” in their donor ID. 

Genetic carrier screening checks the potential presence of disease-causing changes in the donor’s DNA in hundreds of genes. The types of conditions tested are either recessive or X-linked. For recessive conditions, both the egg and sperm sources must be carriers for the same condition(s) for there to be an increased reproductive risk. For X-linked conditions, it only takes the egg source to be a carrier for the reproductive risk to be increased (these donors are not included in the program).

It is important to note that being a carrier is not the same as having the respective genetic condition; in fact, carriers do not have the condition and are typically expected to remain healthy. We are all expected to be carriers for several genetic conditions, only some of which can be detected with today’s technology. Being a carrier is part of being human – it’s normal.  

We understand how critical robust genetic testing is in your quest to find the ideal egg donor. The chances of a child inheriting a genetic condition will vary based on whether the egg and sperm sources are carriers for the same condition(s).

Here is a quick guide to help you make a decision regarding your egg donor’s genetic carrier results when you receive the genetic test for the sperm source. The chart below demonstrates the risks to the child when the sperm source and egg donor are tested for the same genes. *If either the donor or sperm source tests positive, we recommend that you speak with a healthcare professional or genetic counselor before deciding to move forward with the donor.

Of note, given the nuances of carrier screening, it is always recommended to work with a genetic professional when performing suitability matching. This information is meant as a general guide.

Want To Learn More About A Donor’s Genetic Test Results? 

Contact Fairfax EggBank to get started. You’ll be assigned a dedicated Client Relations Specialist who will provide more information about the egg donor, her test results, and the next steps for moving forward. Our goal is to make your experience with us as informative, easy, and personalized as possible – so that we can fulfill our ultimate mission to help you have a healthy baby.

Additional sperm source testing can take several weeks to complete. To give you time to take this important step, you can match with a donor, pay the cohort fees, and store the cohort at Fairfax EggBank. If within 60 days after payment your sperm source test results show that he is a carrier for the same condition(s) as the egg donor, then we will give you a full refund or help you select a different donor.