Human Reproduction, Vol. 16, No. 10, 2039,
October 2001
© 2001 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
Debates continued |
Screening standards in assisted reproduction technologies
The screening of semen donorswhere do we draw the line?
Hollywood Fertility Centre, Hollywood Private Hospital, Monash Avenue, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009
The most recent British Andrology Society guidelines have certainly stirred up much debate about the exclusion of donors that are seropositive for cytomegalovirus (CMV). Arguments will inevitably go back and forth regarding the statistical risk of donors passing on infection and the point at which that risk becomes unacceptable. As with many of these debates, a number of different opinions will be offered but a consensus will be almost impossible. However, the case of CMV highlights difficulties common to the screening of donors for many infectious and genetic disorders.
Key words: cytomegalovirus/litigation/patient choice/semen donors