From time to time clients ask about reactivating donors who have left our program. While California Cryobank does provide this service, it is an expensive option and not recommended.
Instead, we recommend you Purchase and Store additional vials at the time of your initial purchase. Purchasing extra vials and storing them with CCB is not only much more cost effective than having to reactivate a donor, it is also the only way to guarantee your donor will be available for you to use again in the future. Once your vials are stored, you maintain the option to exchange them or sell them back to CCB.
Who Can Reactivate a Donor?
In order to reactivate a donor, you must have a child by that donor. Please report your pregnancy through our online form or contact our Client Services Department at 866-927-9622.
Donor Participation
Please be aware that reactivation is optional on the part of the donor. There is no guarantee that the donor will be willing and / or able to return to the program. Many CCB donors are students who may move out of the area of our laboratories upon graduation.
The Reactivation Process
The California Cryobank staff will attempt to contact the donor. If the donor is willing to reactivate, we will re-screen the donor. Once the donor has cleared the screening process, the vials must remain in quarantine for at least 6 months. Including the time to process the donor, the mandatory six-month quarantine on the semen, and acquiring the donor's final blood draw, it generally takes 1 year before the vials are available for your use.
Before the reactivation begins, you must determine how many vials you would like to purchase and which method you would like them processed (ICI or IUI). There is a $250 non-refundable fee to initiate the donor search. If we are able to contact the donor and he agrees to return, we will present you with a cost estimate before proceeding with the reactivation.
Reactivation Fees
Donor reactivation is costly, as this action is taken at the behest of a single client. The reactivation fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether or not you decide to purchase the vials. The basic fee starts at $1,500 and covers re-qualification of the donor (including infectious disease and genetic re-screening). Additional expenses may include round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and other compensation for the donor.
Vial Purchase and Storage
The fees for vial purchase and storage are not included in the reactivation fee. Six months after the donor's final blood draw, you will be contacted to purchase the vials.
Other Alternatives
Due to the time and cost involved, the vast majority of parents considering reactivation ultimately decide to use a new donor. Our Donor Matching consultants are happy to assist you with finding a new donor. If opting for a new donor, we strongly recommend that you purchase and store additional vials for future use. If you have any questions about donor reactivation or other alternatives, please contact our Client Services Department at 866-927-9622.