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Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? You’re in the right place. Questions are listed by category. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, our client services team is always here to help.
Getting started
Yes, California Cryobank provides vial types that can be used for IVF or ICSI procedures. Vials labeled IVF or ICSI are specifically created for ART procedures as they have a lower number of sperm than IUI or ICI vials. Availability of these vials may vary by donor.
The volume (amount) of sperm within each vial varies by vial type (ICI, IUI, IVF, ICSI), so it’s important to consult with your physician to purchase the appropriate number of vials for your insemination or procedure method.
To reach our client services team, call 866-927-9622. We’re here to help.
When you’re ready to purchase your vials, it’s important to consult with your physician. That’s because the type of procedure you use will affect the number of vials you need. You’ll also want to think about your future family-building goals. Because vials do sell out, it’s best to buy additional vials now, especially if you or your partner is hoping to use the same donor in the future.
The donor profiles
Yes, you can view a donor’s childhood photos once you’re logged into your free account. You can also purchase these photos (for download) separately. Please see our donor information pricing for current fees.
Many of our donors’ profiles include adulthood photographs and can be viewed with a Level 2: Full Access subscription or as an à la carte purchase. Donors’ adulthood photos are displayed as a series of up to three photos, which may include a headshot, a full-body photo and one that demonstrates their personality or style. Adulthood photos are limited to those donors who choose to provide them and may not be requested for any donor.
Yes, audio interviews are part of our Level 2: Full Access subscription offering. Anyone with a level 2 account can access individual conversations for online (listen-only) access, or can purchase donor conversations for download. Please see our donor information pricing for current fees.
Yes, we offer donor personal essays. Our donor personal essays are presented in a question-and-answer format. Some donors write extensively, and others are more direct and to the point. The donor personal essays are available for most donors and are part of your free Level 1: First Look account.
Getting started
Yes, California Cryobank provides vial types that can be used for IVF or ICSI procedures. Vials labeled IVF or ICSI are specifically created for ART procedures as they have a lower number of sperm than IUI or ICI vials. Availability of these vials may vary by donor.
The volume (amount) of sperm within each vial varies by vial type (ICI, IUI, IVF, ICSI), so it’s important to consult with your physician to purchase the appropriate number of vials for your insemination or procedure method.
To reach our client services team, call 866-927-9622. We’re here to help.
When you’re ready to purchase your vials, it’s important to consult with your physician. That’s because the type of procedure you use will affect the number of vials you need. You’ll also want to think about your future family-building goals. Because vials do sell out, it’s best to buy additional vials now, especially if you or your partner is hoping to use the same donor in the future.
The donor profiles
Yes, you can view a donor’s childhood photos once you’re logged into your free account. You can also purchase these photos (for download) separately. Please see our donor information pricing for current fees.
Many of our donors’ profiles include adulthood photographs and can be viewed with a Level 2: Full Access subscription or as an à la carte purchase. Donors’ adulthood photos are displayed as a series of up to three photos, which may include a headshot, a full-body photo and one that demonstrates their personality or style. Adulthood photos are limited to those donors who choose to provide them and may not be requested for any donor.
Yes, audio interviews are part of our Level 2: Full Access subscription offering. Anyone with a level 2 account can access individual conversations for online (listen-only) access, or can purchase donor conversations for download. Please see our donor information pricing for current fees.
Yes, we offer donor personal essays. Our donor personal essays are presented in a question-and-answer format. Some donors write extensively, and others are more direct and to the point. The donor personal essays are available for most donors and are part of your free Level 1: First Look account.
Donor Reserve
The Donor Reserve Program offers families the opportunity for greater family exclusivity by purchasing vials from a select number of donors who have limited availability of their California Cryobank vials.
Donor Reserve families will follow the same subscription model, rules, and criteria as any other California Cryobank family. This includes the standard rules that apply to receiving your Donor Keepsake, which will be offered once you confirm your pregnancy.
All of your vials will be shipped to you or your clinic when you’re ready, free of charge — even if multiple shipments are required.
Donor reactivation (the opportunity to request additional donations from your donor and purchase those “new” donations) will not be available for Donor Reserve clients.
All Donor Reserve program families will enjoy five years of free storage for their donor’s vials. After five years, you will be subject to the standard storage rate at the time of renewal.
Yes, standard international rules will apply.
California Cryobank can only control our own inventory of donor sperm vials and family units. We are able to limit the number of families who can purchase family units and vials of your Donor Reserve program donor and limit the number of family units we will sell of your Donor Reserve program donor. We ask all our donors to adhere to their written agreement with California Cryobank that they do not participate in other sperm donation programs. However, we cannot stop a donor from donating to another sperm bank or guarantee that a donor has not previously donated to another sperm bank. Therefore, it is possible that your donor has previously made, or will make in the future, donations at another sperm bank.
Donor screening
We collect medical information from donor applicants over several months, from the time of their first contact with California Cryobank. Information is collected in multiple formats and by several different staff members and reviewed for consistency and accuracy. If we receive incomplete or inconsistent information, the applicant must provide additional information to clarify his family history to continue with the program.
Genetic tests and technologies are continuously being developed and improved. New developments may sometimes lead to changes in the genetic testing we perform on our sperm donor applicants. In most cases, when we add new genetic tests to our screening process, the tests are performed on new donor applicants but not retired donors. Therefore, not every donor with vials available for purchase has had the same genetic testing.
California Cryobank excludes donors with known risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases, including HPV. Each donor is also given a physical examination with particular attention to the genital area for evidence of HPV infection. There are no FDA-approved tests for routine screening of sperm donors for HPV. California Cryobank uses only tests that have been validated for both accuracy and reliability and are licensed by the FDA and performed in an independent licensed and accredited laboratory. We believe that the use of unproven tests and methods with claims of improved safety constitutes false and misleading advertising.
CMV testing
CMV is the abbreviation for cytomegalovirus. Exposure to this virus is quite common; about 50% to 85% of people test positive for CMV in the U.S at some point in their life. An initial infection manifests as a mild cold, and symptoms related to this infection resolve quickly. Many people who contract CMV are asymptomatic, and most people do not know whether they have ever been infected.
CMV is passed from infected people to others through bodily fluids. It can also be transmitted through transplanted organs, blood transfusions, and sexual contact. Individuals are most likely to be exposed to the virus through contact with a person who has an active (recent) CMV infection. The actively infected person is highly contagious while the virus is in their system. Eventually, one’s immune system controls the infection, and viral levels go down dramatically. This person is now said to have a “remote” (or inactive) infection and considered completely recovered. A person with an uncompromised immune system is unlikely to get CMV from a previously infected individual.
There is no special concern for CMV for people using donor sperm. Any person who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant should be aware of the potential risks related to CMV. CMV does not usually cause problems in healthy people, but it can be dangerous to a developing fetus if a previously unexposed (CMV negative) person becomes infected with the virus while pregnant. The virus will not harm most babies in this circumstance, but a small number suffer developmental abnormalities such as hearing loss and intellectual disability.
The FDA mandates the screening of all sperm donors for CMV status. Anyone who is actively infected with CMV is not eligible to donate with California Cryobank. Because CMV may be transmitted in fluids like sperm, there is a theoretical risk that an infected sperm donor could transmit this virus to a CMV-negative donor recipient through a procedure like an intrauterine insemination. However, this risk only occurs if the sperm donor was actively ill with CMV at the time of sperm donation. All donors available on the catalog had testing showing no active CMV infection before, during, or after their donation. Therefore, the risk of an active infection that could be transmitted is extremely small.
IgM antibodies are the first to respond to infections. When IgM is elevated, it’s typically an indication that the immune system is fighting a primary infection. The number of IgM antibodies decline as the immune system switches to making IgG antibodies. In most circumstances, these become the only antibodies detectable for a given virus. IgG antibodies will be present and detectable forever, indicating immunity to a given infection. A person who was once infected with CMV but has fully recovered from the acute infection will typically be IgM negative and IgG positive.
The "total antibody test" is a screening test. By design, it detects all antibodies to CMV, including IgG and IgM. Screening antibody tests are known to occasionally detect antibodies that may be similar in structure to those directed at a certain virus but are not clinically relevant or meaningful. These non-specific antibodies, sometimes called "cross-reacting antibodies" may cause the total antibody screening result to be positive, however, the subsequent IgG and IgM specific test will be negative. It's the presence of specific IgG or IgM antibodies to CMV that tell us the CMV status of an individual: a current or recent infection, a remote infection, or no history of infection. If requested, California Cryobank can provide you and your physician with results of the total antibody screening test and the specific tests for IgG and IgM so that you can discuss the findings together.
According to published literature, the risk of acquiring CMV from a healthy donor with a history of a remote (past) CMV infection is very low. The risk is further lowered if you use washed sperm (IUI vials). This is because the method used to prepare IUI vials significantly reduces the presence of white blood cells, the cells that are most likely to harbor the virus. Recipients who are undergoing IVF would empirically have an even lower risk of acquiring CMV. Regardless, this is a decision that you should make after speaking to your physician.
Genetic Screening
We screen our donors for all conditions recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). There are instances when we have added a new test to our screening process because we have determined it could help us identify additional potential risks to donor-conceived children. Such was the case when we decided to provide the expanded genetic testing panel. The testing performed on any individual donor varies depending on when he entered our program, what tests were medically recommended and available at that time, and what special testing may have been requested by our clients.
Not necessarily. Different genetic testing laboratories test for different disorders. Some of the conditions overlap, but others do not. Different labs may have different names for the same condition. We recommend that you download and review your donor's genetic test summary (GTS) with your physician and genetic counselor to determine if the donor fits your needs.
A genetic test summary (GTS) tells you which specific tests were performed on a donor and the results of those tests. Our reproductive genetic specialists are available to discuss the tests performed on your donor, the test limitations, and additional testing options you may want to consider. For more information, please contact us.
Every child (regardless of whether they were conceived with or without assisted reproductive technologies) has a 3% to 4% chance of having a birth defect. It’s impossible to eliminate these risks or test for all of them before becoming pregnant. However, a genetic risk assessment is performed on California Cryobank's donor applicants as part of the donor qualification process to try to reduce the risk for significant medical problems in donor-conceived individuals. If a donor applicant's personal or family history indicates a significant increased risk- above that of the general population- to donor-conceived individuals for serious birth defects or disease, he would not be suitable to participate in our donor program.
It is not possible to test for or to identify every genetic condition or mutation. Genetic testing can reduce, but cannot eliminate, the risk for the genetic diseases included in that particular test. Interpretation of genetic data can also change over time as genetic technology and knowledge is improved.
If additional genetic testing is performed on your donor, and the results are positive for a variant that may be relevant to your treatment plans or your child’s risk for a condition, we will inform you of the new information. For example, if additional carrier screening is performed and the donor is found to be a carrier for one or more conditions that were not previously tested, we will send you an email with an updated copy of his GTS, including the new report. Therefore, it is important that you keep updated contact information (especially an email address) on file with us.
Genetic Services
Not necessarily. Different genetic testing laboratories test for different disorders. Some of the conditions overlap, but others do not. Different labs may have different names for the same condition. We recommend that you download and review your donor's genetic test summary (GTS) with your physician and genetic counselor to determine if the donor fits your needs.
A genetic test summary (GTS) tells you which specific tests were performed on a donor and the results of those tests. Our reproductive genetic specialists are available to discuss the tests performed on your donor, the test limitations, and additional testing options you may want to consider. For more information, please contact us.
For more information, please contact our reproductive genetic specialists.
No. Most birth defects are random, with no known cause. While a family history of birth defects can increase the risk in a new pregnancy, most are not caused by conditions that we can identify on genetic testing before or after conception. We perform genetic testing on each of our donor applicants to screen for hundreds of genetic disorders, but this testing can only help to identify risks and help to reduce the risk for specific disorders in donor-conceived children by being aware of conditions in the egg source. It cannot eliminate the risk or the genetic predisposition to these conditions.
Special requests for genetic testing are accommodated whenever possible. If you carry a mutation for a particular condition and there is a medical risk to your future children, please contact our reproductive genetic specialists to discuss the available options for donor testing. For more information, please contact our reproductive genetic specialists and see our Special Testing Information Sheet.
Yes. In some cases, additional genetic testing of your sperm donor may be appropriate and recommended. We try to accommodate such testing whenever possible. Please contact our reproductive genetic specialists to obtain information about special testing options that may be available for your situation.
Payment methods
Yes, if you would like to use multiple credit cards for one order, please call our client services team to place your order. Online checkout does not allow payment with multiple cards.
Yes, just log in to your account and select the “Contact and billing” page to add, delete or edit your credit card information.
You may be able to get financing. We work with financing partners, CapexMD and Future Family, both of which specialize in financing fertility services.
Families can, of course, use funding from personal loans and sources other than the financing companies with which we partner. However, it’s important to note that we have chosen our particular financing partners because of their outstanding reputations and familiarity with lending to those seeking fertility solutions.
Yes, our financing partners are aware of all the expenses associated with using a sperm donor and can help pay for everything from vial purchases to treatment costs, and even vial shipping and storage. In some cases (depending on your clinic and health providers) they can even work directly with your providers to make bill paying even easier.
While costs associated with using a sperm donor to build your family will vary depending on factors, including your location, your clinic, and your individual needs, there are a few costs to consider as you plan for your financing. They can include: vial purchases, treatment (an at-home insemination versus one that will take place at your clinic), vial shipping (expedited, international or standard shipping), and storage (storing your vial(s) for immediate use, or for a longer time to help plan for additional children). And, of course, if you’re using a surrogate or gestational carrier, you would need to consider their expenses as well.
Donor information purchases
Yes, if you already confirmed your pregnancy or child’s birth, please contact client services for assistance.
Vial purchases
Due to various international shipping and import regulations, international vial orders cannot be processed through our website. You can email us to check if we ship donor sperm to your country, but vial orders must be placed over the phone by calling client services.
Once vials are purchased, you have an option to do a vial exchange or a 50% vial buyback. Vial orders may only be eligible for a full refund within 30 days of purchase for medical reasons and an order cancellation fee would apply. A letter from a medical professional is also required for refund consideration. Shipped vials are not eligible for an exchange, buyback, or transfer to another family. Please review our vial exchange program and vial buyback offer for applicable fees and program terms.
Online checkout does not allow the purchase of vials from multiple donors. You must call client services to place this type of order. Please note that you will not be able to ship vials from multiple donors in the same shipment unless we receive written permission from your physician verifying that you will not use two different donors for insemination during the same cycle.
Yes, our vial buyback option applies to vials being stored at one of our facilities. Vials are purchased back for 50% of the original purchase price if purchased in the last 36 months or less. Additional rules may apply.
Yes, our vial exchange program allows you to exchange vials that are being stored at one of our facilities if purchased in the last 36 months or less. An administrative fee will apply for each request. Additional rules may apply.
No, once vials are shipped from the California Cryobank facility, they are no longer eligible for the vial buyback option or vial exchange program. Only vials stored at our facilities are eligible. Additional rules may apply.
Fertility benefits partners
No, our vial buyback option is not available for any orders using fertility benefits coverage.
No, unfortunately fertility benefits cannot be used to purchase vials from the Donor Reserve program.
Call us! We are constantly working with fertility partners to ensure we support as many families as we can. If you have fertility benefits with another partner, let us know. We might be working to introduce a new partner and want to make sure you receive as much support as we can offer.
Shipping and tracking
We send the vials in liquid nitrogen dry shipper tanks via FedEx or a local courier. Tanks are validated for 7 days from the date shipped.
You will receive an email confirming your purchase at the time your order is placed online or over the phone. Once the order is shipped you will receive an email via FedEx with your tracking information.
Our system is limited to one email address per account. FedEx does, however, allow you to forward your tracking results to three additional people.
We can send the email notification to any address that you select. There is, however, a limit of one email address per shipment, which must be provided only by the owner of the account.
Email notification for orders placed by physicians is determined by the physician's office. There is a limit of one email address per account.
If you cancel your order before the day of shipment, you will not receive an email message. If you cancel your order on the day of shipment, you will receive a shipment notification email message and then a second email notification that the shipment has been canceled.
Storage
All Donor Reserve program families will enjoy five years of free storage for their donor’s vials. After five years, you will be subject to the standard storage rate at the time of renewal.
Family planning
When you’re ready to purchase your vials, it’s important to consult with your physician. That’s because the type of procedure you use will affect the number of vials you need. You’ll also want to think about your future family-building goals. Because vials do sell out, it’s best to buy additional vials now, especially if you or your partner is hoping to use the same donor in the future.
California Cryobank has been serving the LGBTQ+ community since our beginning in 1977. Our extensive and diverse portfolio of donors, valuable resources (specifically for LGBTQ+ families), and knowledgeable and caring Family Building Consultants provide the support you need from day one and beyond.
Ordering
The Physician Shipment Authorization form must be completed for each patient if vials should be shipped to one of your clinic's locations.
No. The Physician Shipment Authorization form merely confirms the location(s) you have approved for vial shipment once your patient is ready to schedule it. Vial purchases and shipments can be placed online or by calling our client services team.
We accept forms via fax or email. Please be sure to follow the submission instructions listed on each individual form.
Shipping and receiving
We send the vials in liquid nitrogen dry shipper tanks via FedEx or a local courier. Tanks are validated for 7 days from the date shipped.
Yes, the vials can be shipped to your patient's home address instead of your office address, excluding international and New York State residents. This can be designated when completing the shipment authorization form.
The specimens are delivered in dry shipper tanks that are validated for 7 days from the date shipped.
Thaw the vials at 37°C / 98°F for 10 minutes in a water bath or 15 minutes in a dry heat block (13mm holes, minimal air around cryovial). Consult the thawing instructions that are included with each tank for further details.
The person who placed the order is generally responsible for returning the tanks. We ask that all clinics and patients coordinate between themselves to ensure shipment tanks are returned.
Tanks should be returned within one week after the receipt of the vials. If the tank is not returned or if it is lost, California Cryobank will charge a lost tank fee.
Supporting your patients
You or an individual from your team may register for an account online (on behalf of your clinic) in order to view donors’ information items included in their profiles, including their genetic test summaries (GTS).
To receive patient education materials, you can email our team at media@cryobank.com.
California Cryobank partners with PatientFi, CapexMD and Future Family who all specialize in financing fertility services.
At California Cryobank, we partner with outstanding fertility benefits providers to help remove barriers to family building. We currently accept Progyny, Carrot and Maven coverage which provide valuable coverage that a traditional health care plan may not.
If you have any questions, please call us at 866-927-9622 or email us.
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