The importance of a genetic evaluation of prospective ovum donors: a study of family history and genetic carrier testing.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the percentage of potential ovum donors who have an increased risk for fetal harm.

STUDY DESIGN

Couples using an ovum donor to conceive a pregnancy are expecting to select someone who poses a low genetic risk to their offspring. Currently, most genetic carrier screening of these donors is performed at the discretion of the fertility center. This investigation involves a review of family history and genetic carrier test results of oocyte donor candidates.

RESULTS

A total of 210 (22.1%) of 950 potential oocyte donors had at least one fetal risk factor based on family history. Of 244 prospective donors who had genetic testing, 15 (6.1%) were found to be carriers of hereditary diseases that could pose an increased risk to a fetus.

CONCLUSION

A genetic assessment is a critical step in the evaluation of prospective oocyte donors, because almost one quarter of donors had a family history of a disease that could pose an increased fetal risk. Disclosure of ovum donor carrier status and, when applicable, testing of partners is required before accepting a potential ovum donor in an infertility program.