Survey of genetic screening for oocyte donors

Objective: To describe current screening practices of oocyte donation progr ams in the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (SART). Design: Descriptive data from a mailed questionnaire. Setting: Academic medical center. Participant(s): In vitro fertilization programs in SART. Intervention(s): Survey mailed to IVF programs in the SART registry. Main Outcome Measure(s): Current practices, opinions, and genetic criteria for oocyte donor selection. Result(s): Results from 159 of 229 (69%) eligible oocyte donation programs are described. Most centers (70%) completed fewer than 25 cycles and used b oth anonymous and directed donors. There was considerable variability in li mits on numbers of cycles or births allowed pet donor, with many centers ha ving no limits. As well, the use of well-established screening tests fur ge netic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. varied con siderably. Consultation with a geneticist was possible at most (89%) center s and specifically mentioned by some centers as a means to help make decisi ons. Conclusion(s): Most programs follow recommendations made by the American So ciety of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) for screening: of gamete donors, but a significant percentage does not use well-established testing. The widespr ead availability of genetic consultation should promote responsible screeni ng practices. (Fertil Steril(R) 1999:71:278-81. (C) 1999 by American Societ y for Reproductive Medicine.).