British Andrology Society guidelines for the screening of semen donors for donor insemination (1999)

The British Andrology Society (BAS) guidelines for the screeningof semen donors have undergone a recent review, and followingconsultation with members of the Society and with experts inthe allied professions, the following revised guidelines havebeen issued. Major changes include the introduction of an upperage limit for semen donors (<40 years old) and the generalexclusion of men who are seropositive for cytomegalovirus asdonors. The BAS recommends the screening of prospective semendonors for chromosomal abnormalities and for cystic fibrosiscarrier status. Following the report of cross-contaminationof human cells with hepatitis B virus within a liquid nitrogenstorage vessel, the BAS recommends that steps be taken to ensurethe safe cryopreservation of donor gametes.