Donor Screening Process
At London Sperm Bank, we follow an exceptionally strict screening process to ensure the highest standards of donor health and safety.
All donors are screened in full compliance with the HFEA Code of Practice, the UK guidelines for sperm donation, and the SABTO Microbiological Safety Guidelines. This ensures that only the healthiest and safest donations are made available to recipients.
How Our Sperm Donors are Screened
1
Application & Initial Contact
Potential donors apply via our website by completing an online application form. Our recruitment team reviews each application to assess initial suitability. Those who meet the basic criteria are contacted for a phone consultation, where they receive more information and have the opportunity to ask questions before booking their first appointment.
2
Semen Analysis
At their first in-person visit, donors provide a semen sample in a private collection room. This sample is assessed in our laboratory to check sperm count, motility (movement), and overall quality. If the sample meets our required standards, the donor is invited to proceed with further medical screening.
3
Medical & Genetic Review
Donors complete a detailed medical questionnaire, covering personal and family medical history. This is reviewed by our clinical genetics team to identify any hereditary conditions. To ensure rehulatory compliance, only those with no significant medical history and genetic risks can move forward.
4
Comprehensive Screening & Blood Tests
Donors undergo extensive blood and urine testing for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhoea, in addition to genetic screening and a chromosomal analysis. These STI screenings are repeated every three months throughout the donation period to ensure continued safety.
5
Physical Examination & Counselling
A doctor performs a full physical examination to check overall health and ensure the donor meets all medical criteria. Donors also attend mandatory implications counselling with a fertility specialist to discuss the legal and emotional aspects of donation.
6
Donation, Quarantine & Publishing
Once approved, donors begin their regular donation schedule. Each sample is quarantined for three to six months, with a final round of screening before being released for patient use. Before clearance, the donor’s file undergoes two full reviews to verify all test results, records, and medical history. Once cleared, their profile is published on our website, making their donations available to patients.
The Donation Process Timeline
Our sperm donation programme is structured into three key phases, ensuring that all donors meet the highest standards of health and safety before their samples are made available to patients.
1 4 – 6 Weeks
Screening & Approval
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- Application & Initial Contact – Donors apply online and are contacted by our recruitment team for an initial consultation.
- Semen Analysis – A laboratory assessment determines if the donor’s sperm meets our quality standards.
- Medical & Genetic Review – A detailed medical history is reviewed by our clinical genetics team.
- Blood & Urine Screening – Donors undergo genetic and infectious disease testing, with the latter repeated every three months.
- Physical Examination & Counselling – A doctor conducts a full health check, and donors attend implications counselling.
- Final Approval – Once all screening results are cleared, the donor is officially accepted into the programme.
2 3 – 9 Months
Donation, Ongoing Screening & Quarantine
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- Regular Donations – Donors provide multiple sperm samples over a set period.
- Routine Testing – Every three months, donors undergo repeat screening to ensure continued health and compliance.
- Quarantine Period – Each donation is frozen and stored for three to six months before it can be released.
- Final Blood Tests – After the last donation, a final screening is conducted to confirm the donor remains free of infections.
3 4 Weeks
File Review & Clearance
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- Comprehensive File Review – Our lab team conducts two independent checks to verify all medical records, test results, and donation history.
- Final Clearance – Once all records are approved, the donor’s profile is published on our website.
- Donations Available for Patients – The donor’s sperm can now be selected by patients for use in fertility treatments.
Our Facilities
Donor Lounge
Donors can relax before their appointments in our comfortable lounge, which offers free hot drinks, WiFi, charging points, and entertainment to make their visit as enjoyable as possible.
Consultation Rooms
Our private consultation rooms provide a calm and confidential space where donors can discuss their medical history, screening process, and any questions with our expert team.
Production Rooms
Designed for comfort and privacy, our production rooms are soundproof and equipped with entertainment options to ensure donors feel at ease when providing their samples.
Laboratory
Our state-of-the-art laboratory is where all semen analysis and processing take place. Our scientists assess sperm quality and prepare samples for storage or use.
CryoRoom
The CryoRoom is where donor sperm is safely stored at ultra-low temperatures using advanced cryopreservation techniques, ensuring long-term viability for future use.
Learn More About Our Screening Process
At London Sperm Bank, we follow the most rigorous screening standards to ensure the highest quality donations. If you have any questions about our donor screening process or would like to proceed with donation or selection, our team is here to help.