Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that is usually harmless however it can cause problems in babies if caught during pregnancy (congenital CMV). You will have been screened for CMV and be aware of your status; if you are negative, we recommend selecting a CMV negative Donor to remove the risk of infection. If you are CMV positive you may choose either (same sex couples are advised to both undertake the testing if you wish to both undertake treatment using the donor).
Blood Group Matching
Blood group matching isn’t important unless you would specifically like to match the Donor blood group to your partner. If you are Rhesus negative, you might like to look at further information about Rhesus disease on the NHS website.
BCRM Important Considerations
• The Donor must be UK compliant
• CMV status of the Donor must be negative unless you are CMV positive yourself
• MOT20 samples are recommended for IUI treatments
• MOT10 or MOT20 are recommended for IVF/ICSI treatments
• One sample is needed for each treatment cycle – you may wish to purchase more for future use
• You must have an ‘Implications Counselling’ session prior to treatment with a trained Fertility Counsellor
Cost
BCRM sample charges are provided with the list of Donor Availability and are inclusive of the sample, family quota and a year’s storage.
External Donor Sperm costs vary and regularly change, it is best to look at the websites for their current costs. Some clinics quote a single price with everything included, others may charge for the samples, family quota and transport (shipping) separately. The BCRM charges an Administration Fee of £200 (subject to change) for imports outside of the UK which covers the compliance checks, Donor registration and a years’ storage of the sample(s).
After 12 months, annual storage fees will apply to any samples held in the Laboratory at BCRM.
Purchasing from an External Source
Once you have selected a Donor, you will need to purchase the samples directly from the supplying Clinic/Sperm Bank (usually via their website). We would recommend the nitrogen dry shipper option, as the shipper will be cold for 15 -17 days, is a robust metal container which protects the samples in the event of delay e.g. flight delays or Border Control.
Once payment has been made the Clinic/Sperm Bank will send the relevant Donor information required for processing prior to an import date being agreed. The process can take up to two weeks and is dependant on information from external sources
What to do when you have made your choice?
Please email Donorsperm@BCRM.Clinic to inform the Donor Sperm Team when you have purchased your Donor Sperm with the following details:
• Name, date of birth and BCRM number of the patient who will be undergoing the treatment cycle
• The name of the suppling Clinic/Sperm Bank (including if this is BCRM) with the Donor name or number, number of samples and MOT type
Further Help and Information
The Donor Sperm Team are very happy to help with any queries you have please contact us via DonorSperm@BCRM.Clinic