Cryos International – USA Takes the Next Step in Proactively Preventing the Spread of Zika in Sperm and Egg Donations
Orlando, Fla. (PRWEB) October 04, 2016 -- Cryos International Sperm & Egg Bank continues to lead the way in proactively preventing the possible transmission of the Zika virus by further implementing policies in advance of the FDA-issued Guidance for Industry for blood banks. Effective immediately, Cryos is screening all sperm and egg donors for Zika, including all donations made since August 1st.
In March of this year, the FDA issued a guidance recommending the deferral of 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 policy in February, one month before the FDA’s mandate. Beginning August 1st, Cryos implemented a policy to not release any sperm or egg deposits until there was a donor screening test available.
“While the FDA has not approved a donor screening test for tissue banks, they have issued several Emergency Use Authorizations (EAU) for various test kits used to detect the Zika virus. These test kits are currently being used by blood banks, public health officials and physicians to screen patients for the virus,” said Corey Burke, Tissue Bank Director of Cryos International – USA. “All Cryos donors who made deposits on or after August 1st have now been tested.”
“We take our position in the industry very seriously. With a global presence, we feel it is very important to ensure all sperm and egg donors are free of Zika prior to releasing the specimens for sale,” said Angel Tillis, Vice President of Cryos International – USA. “Even though it is not yet an FDA requirement, the availability of the Emergency Use Authorizations makes it possible for us to begin testing now.”
On September 3rd, the FDA issued a Guidance for Industry for blood banks. In that guidance, they recommend that all donors be screened using one of the EAU diagnostic kits, in addition to screening donors for travel and health history. Historically, the FDA has issued guidance for blood banks a few weeks before the recommended guidance for tissue banks. “We expect that the guidance for tissue banks, when issued, will mirror that of the blood banks,” Burke said. Prior to beginning his work in embryology and andrology, Burke worked with Mosquito Control developing testing used to detect West Nile virus in captured mosquitos. This background gives him a unique understanding of Zika and the possible spread to the mosquito population in Florida. “We are glad to be nearing the end of mosquito season,” he said.
Cryos will continue monitoring the situation as it evolves. “This new policy goes above and beyond FDA requirements and we remain committed to providing safe, quality donor sperm and eggs to achieve our mission of helping to provide the gift of family. Our clients’ safety and peace of mind is our priority,” said Tillis.
For questions regarding Cryos’ donation and screening policies, please visit usa.cryosinternational.com or call 407-203-1175.
About Cryos International
With 30 years’ experience and delivering to more than 80 countries, Cryos International – USA is a trusted industry leader. As the world’s largest sperm bank, and first free-standing, independent egg bank in the United States, Cryos aims to ensure a wide selection of high-quality, extensively screened donor sperm and eggs from all races, ethnicities and phenotypes. An extensive network of clients and medical institutions worldwide has helped Cryos achieve the highest number of registered pregnancies in the world assisted by donor sperm. To Cryos, high quality and professional service has always ranked as the most important issue in our relations with clients. Cryos continuously works hard on improving and expanding its services. To Cryos – it’s personal.
For more information about Cryos International, visit usa.cryosinternational.com.
Angel Tillis, Cryos International – USA, LLC, http://usa.cryosinternational.com, +1 (407) 756-7977, [email protected]
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