It takes a very special person to become an egg donor! Not only have they chosen to help another family, but donors also undergo several important processes before being chosen for this role: a comprehensive application, matching with intended parents and an extensive egg donor screening process to be chosen for this role.

We know that you may have questions about these processes. We’ll talk about the egg donor screening tests so you can have more insight into how this crucial process works. If you have any additional questions about your unique circumstances, please contact our team.

Understanding the Egg Donor Screening Timeline

Egg donor screening is one of the most involved steps of the process. Everyone’s timeline is slightly different depending on personal circumstances. As a general guideline, donors should expect screening to take up to six weeks to finish.

There are several different facets of the egg donor screening process: a full physical exam, drug and STD screenings, blood tests, genetic testing, a background check, and a psychological evaluation.

Essential Criteria for Egg Donor Eligibility

Prior to matching with a family, egg donors undergo a comprehensive application and interview process. During this time, applicants will inform us that they meet the necessary requirements to become an egg donor. The screening process, which occurs after a match has been made, confirms that donors are indeed eligible per legal and medical requirements.

To become an egg donor with Extraordinary Conceptions:

  • You must be between the ages of 18 and 29.
  • Your BMI must be above 19 and less than 30.
  • You cannot be a smoker (or a vaper). However, if you can quit for over two months, you could become eligible.
  • You can not use any recreational drugs.
  • You can not currently be using Depo Provera.
  • You cannot have a history of genetically transmitted diseases, any STDs over the past year or a history of HIV/AIDS.
  • You must not be currently breastfeeding. (Once your baby is weaned, you can be eligible again)!

We understand it can be disappointing to realize you don’t meet all of the necessary criteria to become an egg donor. With that in mind, we still urge all applicants to be 100% honest with us during the application and interview process, even if this could potentially result in a disqualification. Otherwise, your egg donor screening process may reveal that you provided misleading information. This would result in your agreement being severed, and you could be held liable to cover any travel and medical costs that the intended parent has paid for.

The Role of Genetic Testing in Egg Donor Screening

This step of the process includes genetic testing for egg donors.

The results from these tests don’t just provide your fertility clinic the answers they need. They also provide an incredible amount of information for you, a potential donor. After undergoing medical and genetic testing, you will know more about your health than you ever imagined!

While each fertility clinic is different, you can expect to be tested for:

  • Infectious diseases (i.e., hepatitis, HIV, syphilis)
  • More than 25 genetic panels (i.e., full chromosomes, sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, Tay Sachs)
  • Evaluation of fertility
  • Physical exam, including urine screening

Usually, the costs of these tests are thousands of dollars. For our egg donors, it’s all entirely covered. Most of our donors consider this an enormous benefit of the process!

Comprehensive Health Checks for Egg Donors

Your physical health is so important, especially when applying to become an egg donor. We want to ensure that this process is healthy and safe for you as well as your intended family and their coming baby. Testing and screening your physical health helps us to guarantee that safety.

While every doctor has a different testing plan for their donors, you can expect to undergo blood tests as well as drug and STD screening.

Psychological Assessment in Egg Donor Selection

The egg donor screening process does not only focus on your physical health. Your mental health is a crucial contributing factor towards eligibility as an egg donor. These regulations are in place to protect you.

Most egg donors cherish their role in a family’s world, but we acknowledge that this can also be emotionally complex for some people. We ask all of our egg donor applicants to undergo a psychological evaluation by a licensed marriage and family therapist. This assessment assures us that you are a good fit for this role and gives you a chance to explore and process your feelings about becoming an egg donor.

Have Questions or Concerns About Egg Donor Testing and Screening?

We have answers.

The egg donor testing process is necessary, but it can certainly be overwhelming! That’s why it’s so important to enter an egg donor agreement with the help of an egg donor agency. We provide the contacts and support you need to ensure that every step of your experience is smooth, including testing and screening. We are always here to answer questions about your specific circumstances every step of the way.

Thank you for making us a part of your story—it’s an honor!