Medical screening
Personal and family history, clinical assessment and reproductive-health criteria are reviewed.
Donation Treatments · Health, Genetics and Traceability
Donor Selection and Matching
Donor selection and matching means assessing an egg or sperm donor not only by appearance, but through medical safety, family history, infection screening, appropriate genetic assessment and personal characteristics that may lawfully be considered.
- Donor suitability is not determined by a single test or characteristic
- Genetic screening results are interpreted together with the other gamete source
- Donor privacy and the information that may be shared with the recipient depend on applicable current regulations
Understand the treatment in 1 minute
Donor Matching Quick Summary
Infection safety
Infectious-disease testing and specimen-safety procedures appropriate to the current programme are applied.
Genetic assessment
Carrier-screening findings are cross-checked with results from the partner or the other donor.
Phenotype and documentation
Permitted basic characteristics may be considered, while identity and specimen traceability are documented.
Key information
What Is the Donor Selection and Matching Process?
Matching includes identifying a clinically suitable donor and linking the selected gamete to the correct recipient and treatment plan.
In brief:
The prospective donor’s medical and family history, infection tests and relevant genetic screening are assessed. Results are cross-checked with the other gamete source, while permitted physical characteristics and blood group may be considered at a later stage.
Choosing the “most similar-looking person” is not sufficient on its own. The priority is to identify a donor who meets clinical eligibility criteria and helps reduce known risks as far as possible.
Genetic matching involves comparing carrier-screening findings in the donor with the partner’s sperm source, the recipient’s oocyte source or the other donor gamete. Different panels may not include the same genes, so a simple “negative” result should not be interpreted in isolation.
Access to a donor’s identity, photograph, education or family information varies by jurisdiction. The clinic should share only information permitted under applicable rules and protect donor confidentiality.
- Medical suitability takes priority over phenotypic similarity
- The donor and the other gamete source should be compared in the context of compatible genetic panels
- A negative screening result does not eliminate all genetic risk
- The donor specimen and recipient record should remain traceable throughout the process
Treatment options
The Difference Between Medical/Genetic Suitability and Physical Similarity
Both may be discussed, but they do not carry the same priority.
Medical and genetic safety
Assessment is directed towards reducing known risks.
- Medical and family history
- Infection screening
- Genetic carrier screening and cross-comparison
Permitted phenotypic characteristics
Basic similarity may be considered according to recipient preferences and within the limits of applicable regulations.
- Blood group and Rh status
- Height, weight and general physical characteristics
- Exact similarity or a particular appearance in the child cannot be guaranteed
How is the most suitable donor determined?
The aim is not to find a universally “best” donor, but a donor who is safe and suitable for the individual treatment. No donor can guarantee treatment success or a healthy child.
Suitability assessment
In Which Treatments Is Donor Selection and Matching Used?
Matching brings together information from different parties according to the gamete source being used.
Egg donation
The egg donor, sperm source and recipient information are assessed together.
Sperm donation
Medical and genetic results from the sperm donor and oocyte source are compared.
Embryo donation
Egg and sperm donors are screened separately, and the results from both donors are cross-reviewed.
Tandem IVF cycle
The donor-oocyte component is managed with records separate from the patient’s own-oocyte IVF plan.
Families with known carrier risk
Genetic counselling and targeted assessment may be required for specific inherited conditions.
International patients
Information-access and parenthood rules in the recipient’s country of residence may also need to be considered.
Does matching begin only after a donation treatment decision has been made?
Basic information gathering may begin earlier, but allocation of an individual donor should take place once medical suitability, consent and the treatment schedule have been clarified.
Before treatment
What Information Is Prepared for Donor Matching?
Required information may vary according to donor type and applicable current regulations.
Medical history
Medical conditions, operations and current medication relating to the recipient and the other gamete source.
Family history
Information about inherited, neurological, cardiac or developmental conditions in the family.
Infection tests
Results that meet the current requirements of the programme.
Genetic test reports
Panel name, genes analysed, variant classification and report date.
Blood group and phenotype
Matching information and priorities permitted by applicable regulations.
Consent and preference form
Information that may be shared, storage, communication and treatment decisions.
Step-by-step process
How Are Donor Selection and Matching Performed?
The process continues from donor eligibility assessment through to use of the gamete in treatment.
Confirming the treatment indication
Medical and individual suitability for donation treatment is assessed.
Collecting recipient information
Health information, family history, genetic results and permitted matching preferences are documented.
Screening the prospective donor
Medical, infectious-disease, reproductive and relevant genetic assessments are performed.
Cross-comparison of genetic results
Results from the donor and the other gamete source are reviewed for overlapping inherited conditions.
Phenotypic matching
Basic characteristics and blood group may be considered where legally permitted.
Clinical approval and consent
Eligibility is confirmed, limitations are explained and written consent is obtained.
Gamete allocation
The oocyte or sperm specimen is allocated to the relevant patient record using a unique identifier.
Laboratory verification
Final identity and specimen checks are completed before fertilisation or IUI.
Treatment timeline
How Long Does Donor Selection and Matching Take?
The timeframe varies according to donor type, availability of screening results and the availability of permitted matching characteristics.
Medical-file preparation
Results for the recipient and the other gamete source are collected.
Donor screening
Available programme records and current test results are verified.
Genetic comparison
Panel contents are reviewed; additional testing or genetic counselling may be requested when needed.
Phenotypic matching
Potential donors are narrowed down according to medically appropriate and permitted criteria.
Allocation and treatment plan
After consent, the gamete is allocated to the relevant treatment programme.
How many days do I need to stay in Cyprus?
A substantial part of the matching process can be coordinated remotely. Travel to Cyprus is generally planned around clinical steps such as recipient assessment, sperm collection, egg collection or embryo transfer.
Factors affecting outcomes
What Are the Quality Criteria of a Reliable Donor Programme?
Quality should be assessed not only by the size of a donor pool, but also by screening, documentation, counselling and laboratory safety.
Documented screening
The scope, date and results of tests should be documented.
Genetic cross-checking
Donor and other-gamete-source results should be interpreted in the context of compatible screening panels.
Clear information
Clear explanation of which donor information may and may not be shared with the recipient.
Identity traceability
A verifiable chain of records from specimen acquisition through use.
Counselling
Medical, genetic, psychological and legal issues should be addressed with appropriate professionals.
Quality oversight
Monitoring of laboratory, cryostorage, equipment and data-security processes.
Important distinction:
Good matching does not guarantee treatment success or a child with particular physical or cognitive characteristics. The aim is to reduce known risks and support a safe treatment chain.
Personalised cost planning
Scope of Donor Selection and Matching
Matching is usually part of the donation treatment pathway; additional assessments may change the scope.
Donor screening records
Medical, infectious-disease and reproductive-health assessments.
Genetic tests
Carrier-screening panels or the need for targeted additional testing.
Genetic counselling
Interpretation of panel differences and carrier-screening findings.
Specimen allocation
Allocation of an oocyte or sperm specimen for treatment.
Cryostorage procedures
Storage, warming/thawing, transport or record management.
Coordination
Coordination between donor, recipient, laboratory and international patient services.
Find out what your individual plan may include
Share your available genetic reports and treatment goals so the genuinely necessary additional tests and the scope of matching can be clarified.
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Identity, Documentation and Traceability of Donor Specimens
Ensuring that the correct donor specimen is linked to the correct patient record is a laboratory-safety issue as important as clinical donor selection.
Unique identification
Each donor and specimen is assigned a separate identification number.
Electronic verification
Patient, donor and specimen information are cross-checked at critical steps.
Cryostorage tracking
The storage tank and location are documented.
Independent double check
Independent verification is performed at designated procedural points.
Record integrity
Screening, consent, allocation and use records are linked.
Access security
Identity and health data are accessible only to authorised personnel.
Multidisciplinary approach
Clinical and Laboratory Team
Donation treatment is a multi-stage process involving coordinated work between the physician, embryology laboratory, patient coordination team and, when appropriate, genetic counselling.
Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialist
Op. Dr. Beril Yüksel
Manages recipient assessment, endometrial preparation and transfer planning.
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Scientific Director
Prof. Dr. Münevver Serdaroğulları
Contributes to treatment protocols, donation pathways and the scientific quality approach.
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Embryology Laboratory Director
Zafer Atayurt
Coordinates gamete receipt, identity verification, fertilisation and embryo-culture processes.
View profile →Balanced information
What Are the Limitations of Donor Selection and Matching?
Screening and matching may reduce known risks but cannot eliminate all uncertainty.
Differences between genetic panels
Two genetic tests may not examine the same genes or conditions.
New or unknown information
Health conditions that may develop in a donor in the future cannot always be predicted.
Phenotypic uncertainty
A child’s appearance is influenced by many genes and environmental factors.
Unrealistic expectations
Similarity, intelligence, abilities or future achievements cannot be guaranteed.
Regulatory variation
Rules on donor anonymity and access to information differ between jurisdictions.
Data and identity risk
Because incomplete records or mismatching can have serious consequences, multiple verification steps are required.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Donor Selection and Matching
These answers are for general information. Individual treatment plans may vary according to medical assessment and applicable regulations.
How is a donor selected?
Donor selection is based on medical and family history, infection screening, relevant genetic assessment and permitted matching information, within current regulations and clinical eligibility criteria.
What is reviewed during donor health screening?
Assessment may include medical and family history, physical evaluation, infectious-disease testing, reproductive-health assessment and carrier screening appropriate to the programme.
What is genetic carrier screening used for?
It assesses whether an asymptomatic person carries variants associated with certain recessive conditions. If both the donor and the other gamete source carry the same recessive condition, the risk to a child may be increased.
Can all genetic conditions be screened for?
No. No screening panel covers every possible genetic variant or condition. Panel scope differs, and a negative result does not mean zero genetic risk.
Is genetic matching performed between the donor and a partner or another donor?
When suitable results are available, carrier-screening findings are cross-compared. Because panels from different laboratories may not contain the same genes, genetic counselling may be needed.
How is physical similarity assessed?
Where permitted, basic information such as height, weight, hair, eye and skin colour and blood group may be considered. Exact similarity or the future appearance of a child cannot be guaranteed.
Does the blood group have to be the same?
No. Blood group can be one factor considered in matching, but it does not by itself determine medical suitability or treatment success. Rh status may be considered separately in relation to pregnancy care.
Why is donor age important?
Age can be associated with oocyte number and chromosomal risk, particularly for egg donors. The permitted age range is determined by current regulations and clinical eligibility criteria.
Must a donor have proven fertility or previously had a child?
Programme requirements may vary. A history of pregnancy or childbirth can provide useful information, but it does not by itself guarantee donor suitability or treatment success.
Is the donor anonymous?
Donor identity, information available to the recipient and any future rights of the child to access information vary by jurisdiction. Applicable rules should be explained in writing before treatment.
Can the donor’s photograph be viewed?
This depends on applicable regulations and programme policy. Personal information or photographs that cannot lawfully be disclosed should not be shared; recipients should receive only information that may legally be provided.
Does donor selection determine the success rate?
Donor medical suitability is important, but outcomes also depend on factors including egg or sperm characteristics, embryo development, uterine conditions, laboratory processes and overall health.
Is there such a thing as a perfect donor?
No. The aim is not to find a “perfect” person or to guarantee future characteristics, but to select a donor who meets safety criteria and is clinically appropriate.
How long does matching take?
The timeframe depends on the requested and permitted characteristics, screening results, gamete type and available donor pool. Rare combinations of characteristics may require more time.
How is donor information protected?
Health and identity information should be protected through access controls, data-security measures and applicable record-retention requirements. Laboratory traceability records and counselling files may have separate security controls.
Can the donor be changed after selection?
This depends on the stage of the donor programme, whether the gametes have already been used, and the relevant agreements and consents. Any request for change should be discussed with the clinic coordinator before treatment begins.
Next steps
Related Treatments and Information
Safe and transparent matching
Let Us Review Your Donor Matching File Together
Share your treatment type, available genetic test results and permitted matching priorities so a plan can be prepared that avoids unnecessary testing and prioritises medical safety and traceability.
- Prioritising medical and genetic safety
- Cross-comparison of genetic panel coverage
- Donor privacy and specimen traceability
Medical sources
Content is supported by current professional guidance relating to donor and recipient assessment, infection and genetic screening, counselling, laboratory safety and embryo transfer principles.