Introduction: Significant health risks associated with CMV infection in the neonate are of concern when donor sperm is used in assisted conception. It has been shown that CMV is present in cryopreserved donor semen; in the UK and USA there are professional guidelines to control the risk of transmission. However, due to the high prevalence of CMV within the population and the current shortfall of donors in the UK, it was hypothesised that many UK clinics may choose to ignore screening guidelines to improve the supply of donors.

Aim(s): To investigate the approaches of fertility clinics to diagnose CMV infection in sperm donors and how this information is used when treating patients.

Materials and Methods: A survey was sent to 103 clinics licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, in addition to subscribers of the Androlog mailing list.

Results: We received responses from 52 clinics in the UK and 18 in other countries of which 68.6% recruited donors. The majority (93.8%) screened donors for CMV (97.1% UK and 84.6% non-UK). Whilst the majority of clinics (94.1% UK and 100% non-UK) used serum antibody testing, only 78.1% screened for both IgG and IgM antibodies, compared with 90.9% in non-UK clinics. Only 76.0% of UK clinics and 88.9% of non-UK clinics reported that they would exclude a donor who was IgM positive at the start of donation. Interestingly, 26.4% of UK and 9.1% of non-UK clinics screen using PCR, even though there are no validated tests for sperm donation.

Conclusion:  This preliminary analysis suggests sperm donor screening does not always follow recommended guidelines, potentially exposing unborn donor conceived babies to this virus.