Genetic screening of gamete donors: An analysis of the current methodologies, practice and attitudes among genetic counselors

Background. The advent of gamete donation has made huge advances possible in the field of assisted reproductive technology and allowed many families to forgo adoption and raise children with whom they share some genetic identity. A common concern of patients using donor gametes is the quality of screening that occurs during the selection process. Screening guidelines are regularly published by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine with suggestions for genetic screening of all prospective donors. This study was designed to document genetic screening practices currently in use for the evaluation of gamete donors. It also aims to explore the decision-making process for adding new screening assays and identifies the key players in decision-making to shed some light on the complex issue of genetic screening of gamete donors.;Methods. A phone survey was performed, and an online questionnaire was sent to members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors who reported working at a center with a donor gamete program.;Results. Most respondents (67.7%) reported screening oocyte donors only. Cystic fibrosis screening was reported by 90% of respondents, and 29% reported screening for SMA. Additional screening based on ethnicity was reported by 96.6%. About thirty five percent reported that genetic counselors have a major role in deciding which screening assays are performed.;Conclusions. Screening varies greatly from center to center. Genetic counselors play a major role in deciding which screening assays are added to the screening panel and they are influenced by factors like assay cost and screening guidelines.