Genetic Testing for Egg Donors: What’s Required?

Key Takeaways

• Genetic testing is a standard part of donor screening to ensure the healthiest possible outcomes for future families.
• Tests help identify hereditary conditions that could be passed on through donor eggs.
• The process includes both a family history review and a lab-based carrier screening.
• Results guide safe, informed matching between donors and intended parents.

Why Genetic Testing Matters

Genetic testing is one of the most important steps in the egg donor screening process. Because half of a child’s genetic material comes from the egg, clinics use genetic testing to identify conditions that could be inherited. This helps protect the health of the future child and gives intended parents peace of mind.

Testing also helps ensure the egg donation process is safe for the donor. By learning more about a donor’s genetic makeup and family history, fertility specialists can better understand any potential medical risks before treatment begins.

What Genetic Screening Includes

Genetic screening usually happens in two parts: a detailed questionnaire and a lab-based carrier test.

Medical history questionnaire Donors first complete a questionnaire about their personal and family medical history. This information helps identify any known hereditary conditions. If certain serious genetic disorders appear likely, the donor may not qualify to move forward.

Carrier testing The next step is carrier screening, which checks for a range of common genetic conditions. This is done using a saliva, blood, or cheek swab sample. Carrier screening typically looks for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, fragile X syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy, and other recessive inherited disorders.

These results don’t label someone as “healthy” or “unhealthy.” Many people carry one or more recessive genes without any symptoms or impact on their own health.

How Genetic Results Are Used

Everyone carries two copies of each gene, one from each biological parent. In most recessive conditions, a child is only affected if both the egg and sperm carry the same variant.

Because of this, both the egg donor and the sperm source (whether from an intended parent or sperm donor) are tested. The results are reviewed together to determine whether there’s a chance of passing on a genetic condition.

If both carry the same variant, there’s a small risk the condition could appear in the child. If only one carries it, the child may be a carrier but won’t have the condition.

How Results Affect Eligibility

If testing shows a high likelihood of passing on a serious inherited condition, the donor may not be approved to move forward in the process. This isn’t a judgment on health—it’s simply a safeguard for everyone involved.

In most cases, results show no major concerns, and the information is used to match donors and recipients safely. The goal is always to ensure healthy outcomes and support the best possible family-building experience.

A Thoughtful and Informed Process

Genetic testing may sound complex, but it’s simply a careful step in protecting everyone’s health and future. The team at Los Angeles Reproductive Center walks every donor through the process clearly and respectfully, answering questions at each stage.

If you’re interested in becoming an egg donor or want to learn more about genetic screening, contact Los Angeles Reproductive Center to speak with an experienced fertility specialist.

FAQ

Why do egg donors undergo genetic testing?

Genetic testing helps identify inherited conditions and ensures the healthiest possible outcome for donor-conceived children.

What happens if a genetic issue is found?

Some genetic findings may disqualify a donor if they pose a significant health risk, while others are simply used to guide safe matching between donors and recipients.

Clinically reviewed by Alyssa Schoenemann, RN