Resource centreSperm donor screening
Sperm donor screening and reports
Semen analysis, infectious disease tests and genetic screening provide different kinds of health information. The clinic also considers medical and family history, examination, counselling, consent and sample records when assessing use. The illustrations explain common report items and their limitations.
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1
Read the public profile
Height, blood type, education, photos, interests. Use these to narrow the list.
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2
Request testing records
Semen, infection and genetic records inform the clinic’s assessment.
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3
Confirm next arrangements
Ask the advisor about dates, family numbers, transport and identity disclosure. The clinic assesses the use of the sample.
Public profiles and further records
A public profile helps narrow preferences for height, blood type, education and appearance. A health questionnaire records some history and habits; the clinic assesses sperm quality and use with test results and sample records.
Basic profile information
- Whether height, weight and blood type match your wishes
- Education, field of study and interests
- Appearance, ethnic background and where the donor lives
- The donor's own account of health history and habits
Records to review further
- Sperm concentration and movement in the semen analysis
- Infection tests, methods and dates
- Genetic screening scope and carrier results
- The frozen sample’s status, suitability and transport arrangements
How to read common profile entries
STDs? ❌ Smoking? ❌ Alcohol? ❌
Interpret questionnaire symbols in the context of the original question and response format. History questionnaires and laboratory tests provide different information.
No history of illness or infectious disease
This is a health questionnaire entry. Laboratory findings require the report and test date.
Has a recent full health check report
Examination panels vary by institution and purpose. Review the actual list, dates and any semen or genetic tests.
University, major, ranking
If education is important to your choice, ask whether supporting documents are available.
Report 1: semen analysis — focus on 4 numbers
A semen analysis report lists many items, which is confusing the first time. Start with the 4 numbers below and compare them with the reference values.
- 1ConcentrationHow many sperm per millilitre.
- 2Progressive motilityShare of sperm swimming forward. Read alongside the other sample measurements.
- 3Total motilityShare of all sperm that are moving.
- 4Normal formsShare with normal shape, assessed using the laboratory’s method.
- ACollection dateCheck how the collection date relates to donation and planned retesting.
- BLaboratoryShould be issued by a hospital or sperm bank laboratory.
The figures shown are a sample, not any donor's real report.
The WHO sixth edition (2021) gives lower reference limits describing a reference population. They cannot alone determine fertility or whether a particular sample is suitable for treatment. The numbers show lower reference limits; bar lengths are illustrative.
Freezing and thawing can reduce motility. Alongside the donor’s semen analysis, request the post-thaw motility of this batch.
Report 2: infectious disease tests — check every item and the dates
These are common infection screening items. The required panel, methods, sampling dates and retesting depend on the jurisdiction, donation type and receiving clinic. This is not a complete checklist for every treatment.
- HIV-1/2HIV
- HBVHepatitis B
- HCVHepatitis C
- SyphilisTreponema pallidum
- ChlamydiaChlamydia trachomatis
- GonorrheaNeisseria gonorrhoeae
- CMVCytomegalovirus
- HTLV-I/IIRequired in some countries
Six-month quarantine for nondirected sperm donation in the US
US rules require six-month quarantine and retesting for nondirected sperm donation. FDA quarantine requirements differ for directed donation; ASRM separately recommends quarantine longer than 35 days followed by retesting for directed samples. Distinguish regulation, professional guidance and clinic procedures. The diagram illustrates US nondirected donation; release also requires donor eligibility and sample assessment.
- Donation + first test
Sample collected, blood drawn for testing
- Frozen quarantine
At least 6 months; the sample is not released
- Retest
The donor is tested again
- Released for use
Clinic completes eligibility and sample assessment
Don't just ask "Was he tested for infections?" Ask: "What were the dates of the first test and the retest?"
Report 3: genetic screening — look at carrier results
The diagrams illustrate a simplified model for one autosomal recessive condition. If one genetic parent carries a relevant pathogenic variant and the other truly carries no pathogenic variant for that condition, offspring may be non-carriers or carriers. A negative screen leaves residual risk, and other inheritance patterns exist; these diagrams do not establish risk for all genetic conditions.
One carrier and one non-carrier for this conditionUnder this model, each pregnancy has a 50% chance of a non-carrier child and a 50% chance of a carrier child.
Both carry variants for the same autosomal recessive conditionUnder this model, each pregnancy has a 25% chance of a child affected by that condition.
A genetics professional compares the egg and sperm sources’ screening panels and results, explains limitations and assesses whether further testing is appropriate. Carrier screening and karyotyping are different tests; ASRM regards routine karyotyping as optional when relevant risk factors are absent.
Got a profile? Ask the consultant these 6 questions
Copy the questions below and send them to us with the donor ID.
- When was the semen analysis done? What is the post-thaw motility of this batch?
- What were the dates of the first infectious disease test and the retest?
- Which conditions were screened, and does the panel match that of the egg source?
- How many families have already used this donor?
- Where is the sperm stored now, and can it be shipped to my clinic?
- Is the donor anonymous, or can the child request his identity as an adult?
Frequently asked questions
How many families can use one donor?
Limits depend on where the material is used. The UK limit is ten families within the UK; use abroad may be subject to different limits. Ask about known use when enquiring.
Can a donor-conceived adult obtain identifying information?
This depends on applicable law, donation dates and disclosure arrangements. Most people conceived from donations made in the UK after 1 April 2005 can request identifying information at 18. Private agreements alone do not determine statutory rights.
How can I obtain full reports?
Provide the profile ID and intended treating clinic. An advisor arranges records according to need and authorisation; the clinic interprets results and identifies further tests.
References
This page provides general information. Consult the appropriate professional about individual medical or legal questions.