CMV and Donor Selection
What is CMV?
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a very common virus. Approximately 50-85% of adults have had a CMV infection at some point in their lives, often without ever knowing it. Most healthy adults experience either mild cold-like symptoms or no symptoms at all.
After infection, the immune system develops antibodies that remain detectable for life. As a result, many healthy adults have evidence of a previous CMV infection.
Why is CMV discussed in donor conception?
For healthy adults, CMV rarely causes significant illness.
The primary concern is when a woman experiences her first CMV infection during pregnancy, as this can occasionally result in congenital CMV infection in the developing baby. For this reason, CMV screening is included as part of the FDA-required infectious disease testing for sperm donors.
How are Premier Sperm Bank donors screened?
All Premier Sperm Bank donors undergo CMV testing as part of FDA-required infectious disease screening.
Donors with evidence of a current or recent CMV infection are not allowed to donate.
In addition, Premier Sperm Bank performs ongoing infectious disease surveillance, including repeat CMV testing throughout a donor's participation in our program, providing continued verification of donor eligibility.
What does "CMV Positive" mean on a donor profile?
For approved donors, a positive CMV result indicates a previous CMV infection (IgG positive, IgM negative).
This does not mean the donor has an active infection.
These donors are healthy, meet FDA eligibility requirements, and are eligible to donate in the United States.
Can I choose a donor with a previous CMV infection?
The answer is yes.
Current medical evidence suggests that the risk of CMV transmission from a carefully screened donor with a previous CMV infection is very low, particularly when there is no evidence of a current infection.
Your CMV Status
CMV Positive: You may choose either CMV+ or CMV- donor type.
CMV Status Unknown: You may choose either CMV+ or CMV- donor type.
CMV Negative: You may choose either CMV+ or CMV- donor type. If you prefer the most conservative approach, you may wish to choose a CMV- donor.
These recommendations are informed by current medical evidence. Individual circumstances vary, and no medical procedure is entirely without risk. Please consult your physician before making your final donor selection.
Why are many donors CMV positive?
Because CMV is so common, many healthy adults have evidence of a previous infection. A positive CMV antibody test usually reflects past exposure - not active illness.
Most people who become pregnant naturally never know their own CMV status or that of their partner. Donor conception provides recipients with additional information because sperm donors undergo extensive infectious disease screening, allowing CMV status to be considered alongside many other factors when selecting a donor.
Should I know my own CMV status?
CMV testing is optional.
Some recipients choose to learn their CMV status before selecting a donor, while others do not. If you have questions or concerns about CMV or donor selection, your physician can help you decide whether CMV testing or selecting a CMV-negative donor is appropriate for your individual circumstances.