EXCELLENCE IN TESTING
Donor Testing & Screening
We test and screen donors more than any other sperm bank. We pioneered Genetic Carrier Screening, and have continuously expanded our screening panels on every level.
EXCELLENCE IN TESTING
We Test and Screen Donors More Than Others
Copenhagen Sperm Bank tests and screens donors more than any other sperm bank. We pioneered Genetic Carrier Screening, and have continuously expanded our screening panels on various levels.
Initially our donors are selected by our sperm bank staff, based on a number of parameters:
Sperm Quality
Age
Personality
Education
Criminal Background Check
4 Generation Family Health History
Mental Health Assessment performed by a Licensed Ph.D. Psychologist
FURTHER SCREENING
Blood and Urine Analysis
Physical Exam every 6 months (including EKG)
Chemistry Panel
Complete Blood Count
Urinalysis
ABO-Rh Blood Typing
HIV
HTLV I/II
Hemoglobin Fractionation
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
Hepatitis B Core Antibody
Hepatitis C Viral Antibody
Syphilis
CMV IgG/IgM
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
ADVANCED TESTING
Genetic Testing
As of 2025, all incoming donor applicants undergo the following genetic testing:
1. Karyotype / Chromosome Analysis
For individuals who are assigned male at birth, a normal karyotype result is 46,XY — meaning 46 total chromosomes including one X and one Y chromosome. All donors are required to have a normal karyotype, or a normal variant without clinical consequence.
2. Carrier Screening Panel
A carrier screening panel covering up to 515 autosomal recessive diseases, including those currently recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG).
FAMILY HISTORY REVIEW
A Four-Generation Health History
All donors are required to complete a four-generation family medical history.
Each medical history is reviewed by both an experienced certified genetic counselor and a medical doctor.
Eligibility is determined based on Copenhagen Sperm Bank’s criteria and recognized donor eligibility recommendations.
Personal and family medical histories for each approved donor are available to customers for review.
Certified genetic counselors are available to discuss any questions or concerns regarding the family history of donors at no charge.
SCREENING OVER TIME
The Evolution of Carrier Screening
Over the past ten years, carrier screening has expanded rapidly as the cost of genetic testing has decreased and the knowledge of genetic conditions has increased. For this reason, some of our donors have had more comprehensive screening than others.
The size of the panel coincides with the year that the donor entered our donation program. As a result, not all donors have been tested for the same conditions or with the same methods. Genetic test results for each donor are available on each donor’s profile page.
Our Donor Search includes an advanced filter that lets you search for available donors who test negative for any combination of genes or diseases.
QUESTIONS?
Requesting Additional Genetic Testing
If you are a carrier for any condition not covered by our standard testing, our Genetics Team can help coordinate additional testing for a donor. Contact our genetic counseling team to discuss options.
