- How does California Cryobank determine which genetic tests to perform on its donors?
- What genetic screening is performed on DNA Advantage Donors?
- Which lab do you use to test your DNA Advantage Donors?
- I already had genetic screening by a different laboratory. Do I need to repeat testing with Sema4?
- Can I request that my donor be tested for other genetic conditions?
- How do I contact a genetic counselor?
- How does California Cryobank determine which genetic tests to perform on its donors? We screen our donors for all conditions recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). If we determine that a new test will help us identify potential risks to donor offspring, we will add it to our screening process, as we did with the Expanded Genetic Testing panel. The testing performed on any individual donor varies depending upon 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.
- What genetic screening is performed on DNA Advantage Donors? DNA Advantage Donors have be screened for at least 260 conditions that are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Please review your donor’s Genetic Test Summary (GTS) to see specific testing performed on that donor
- Which lab do you use to test your DNA Advantage Donors? We trust Sema4 Genomics for genetic screening for our DNA Advantage Donors. Sema4 is a part of the Mount Sinai Health System. Through years of research and patient interaction, they developed one of the most comprehensive screening panels available and are continuously expanding their test menu. They use state-of-the-art technology to ensure high detection rates and accurate results.
- I already had genetic screening by a different laboratory. Do I need to repeat testing with Sema4? 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 is suitable for your needs.
- Can I request that my donor be tested for other genetic conditions? Yes, special requests for genetic testing are accommodated whenever possible. If you have a family history or carry a mutation for a particular condition and there is a medical risk to your offspring, we will contact your donor and determine if he is available for additional testing. For more information, please contact our Genetics Department at 877-743-6384. Please see our Special Testing Information Sheet for more details.
- How do I contact a genetic counselor?
We have an in-house team of genetic counselors who can answer questions about the testing performed on our donors. You may contact our Genetics Department at 877-743-6384 from 8am – 5pm Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, or you can email us.
If you’re interested in reviewing testing options for yourself or to discuss your own test results, you may locate a genetic counselor using the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ (NSGC) directory at: http://www.nsgc.org/p/cm/ld/fid=545