Cryos
We are spearheading this initiative to ensure all sperm and egg donors are Zika free prior to releasing the specimens for sale.
Orlando, Fla. (PRWEB) August 04, 2016
Cryos International, the world’s largest sperm bank and first independent egg bank in the United States, is leading the way in proactively preventing the spread of the Zika virus. Beginning August 1, 2016, the company will not release any sperm or egg deposits until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves a donor screening test for the Zika virus.
Cryos is still collecting tissue deposits but will not release donations after this date until the FDA
approves a screening test to determine if a donor is Zika free.
“We are spearheading this initiative to ensure all sperm and egg donors are Zika free prior to releasing the specimens for sale,” said Angel Tillis, vice president of Cryos International USA. “Our number one priority is providing safe, quality donor sperm and egg to achieve our mission of helping people have healthy children.”
Cryos initiated this precaution because Florida mosquitos are believed to now carry Zika. On top of transmission through mosquito bites, the virus can be passed sexually and can remain in semen for at least 90 days. In pregnant women, Zika causes microcephaly in infants.
“Zika is the biggest threat to reproductive health the United States right now,” said Corey Burke, tissue bank director of Cryos International USA. “Because our products are used for reproduction, we must take every precaution to assure we are providing semen and eggs that are safe for the user and any resulting children.”
The FDA currently requires sperm samples be kept frozen in quarantine for six months prior to release. Both egg and sperm donors are tested for a large number of hereditary and infectious diseases before release. In March of 2016, the FDA issued guidance that recommends deferring any donor or potential donor who traveled to or had sexual relations with anyone who traveled to any area with active Zika transmission. Cryos implemented this protocol in February, one month before the FDA’s mandate.
“Our new policy goes above and beyond FDA requirements. Zika is not a part of the FDA’s testing list,” said Tillis. “However, we are sure that the FDA will quickly release a screening test. In the meantime, we hope this proactive plan will give our clients peace of mind.”
For questions regarding Cryos’ donation and screening policies, please visit usa.cryosinternational.com or call 407-230-1175.
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About Cryos International
As the world’s largest sperm bank, Cryos International is the leader in third party reproduction and personalized insemination services. Delivering to more than 80 countries, Cryos aims to ensure a wide selection of high-quality, extensively screened donor sperm, and soon donor eggs from all races, ethnicities and phenotypes for tailored fertility treatments. An extensive network of clients and medical institutions worldwide has helped Cryos achieve the highest number of pregnancies in the world assisted by donor sperm. Through medical partnerships, evolving research and highly customizable insemination, Cryos continues to improve and expand its global services to assist infertile families in achieving successful, full-term pregnancies.
For more information about Cryos International, visit usa.cryosinternational.com.