5 things that will disqualify an egg donor − according to an egg bank

As intended parents looking to donor IVF to help build our families, the peace of mind we get knowing donors are rigorously screened and vetted represents a big green tick on the journey to find a donor match.

And if donor eggs are going to be a part of your journey, choosing a tech-driven egg bank is one of the best routes for those of us who prioritize quality, assurance and efficiency.

Hear from world leaders in the egg donation screening process

Ovogene is the first AI-driven egg donor bank in the world, leveraging advanced technology and artificial intelligence in their egg donation screening process to deliver the highest quality biomaterial to those on their family-building journey. Under the leadership of Dr. Uliana Dorofeyeva, Director of Clinical Operations, Ovogene is committed to reshaping the future of reproductive medicine.

Patients at Ovogene benefit from an individualized approach to donor selection, made possible through state−of−the−art AI matching technology – read more about the benefits, and the latest advances in egg donation here.

With a vast and meticulously curated selection of donor material instantly available, they offer unparalleled quality and choice, helping patients who once faced uncertainty gain clarity.

Combining disqualifying factors for egg donation with cutting-edge AI matching

We asked Ovogene’s expert team about the most common disqualifying factors for egg donation, plus exactly how their AI matching technology works.

And it turns out that artificial intelligence can help in choosing specific eggs for selection, and identifying potential disqualifiers for donor eggs, including:

• Abnormal egg morphology, which refers to irregularities in the shape, size, or structure, may indicate developmental issues or chromosomal abnormalities, leading to disqualification.
• Poor developmental potential in eggs, resulting in limited success in embryo development and implantation, can render them unsuitable for use in fertility treatments.
• Older egg donors may produce eggs with reduced developmental competence, making them less suitable for assisted reproductive techniques. 
• Eggs carrying chromosomal abnormalities or genetic defects pose risks of passing on genetic disorders to offspring, warranting their disqualification from fertility treatments.

AI can also track and help to predict the development of oocytes, revolutionizing treatment protocols, optimizing outcomes through meticulous analysis and timing precision. 

Birol Aydin, Scientific Director at Ovogene, explains: “By integrating with dynamic time−lapse imaging systems, such as the embryoscope, AI swiftly evaluates oocytes, providing embryologists with comprehensive measurements and preferences for the vitrification process. This precise morphological selection ensures the culling of high−quality oocytes, optimizing the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development.”

The most common egg donation disqualifiers, unpacked

As well as using AI to guide the egg selection process, Ovogene’s rigorous egg donor screening means that only top-notch applicants are allowed to donate in the first place. Here are their team’s egg donation disqualifiers and non-negotiables.

1. Falling outside of the ideal age bracket

Age is crucial in egg donation because younger women typically have a higher ovarian reserve and produce healthier eggs. 

Women between 19−30 years old are preferred as they are more likely to yield more high−quality eggs than older donors, enhancing the success rates of the fertility treatments for the recipient.

2. Not passing a physical (and mental) health screening

Physical and mental health is paramount for an egg donor to ensure the well−being of the donor and the potential donor-conceived children. 

Donors must be in perfect physical health to minimize the risk of complications during the donation process and to increase the likelihood of producing viable eggs. 

Additionally, good and supported mental health is essential to ensure the donor is emotionally prepared for the process and understands the responsibilities involved.

3. Smoking, drinking excessively or using drugs

A thorough lifestyle screening is necessary to ensure that egg donors do not engage in habits or have addictions that could potentially harm the development of the eggs or the health of the future child.

By screening for detrimental habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or drug use, clinics can minimize risks and maximize the chances of successful egg donation and healthy donor-conceived children.

4. Not having a strong fertility baseline

Proven fertility means that the donor has previously demonstrated the ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. 

This requirement guarantees that the donor can produce viable eggs and that their reproductive system is functioning well. 

It gives the recipient comfort knowing that the donor is highly likely to undergo a successful egg retrieval procedure and increases the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy outcome.

5. Carrying genetic conditions

Donors must also pass a genetic screening to ensure they do not carry any hereditary illnesses or exhibit negative phenotypic symptoms that could be passed on to the donor-conceived child. 

This screening involves analyzing the donor’s genetics to identify potential disorders or abnormalities that could threaten the future offspring. 

By ensuring that donors are in good health, clinics can help minimize the risk of passing on hereditary diseases to the offspring conceived through egg donation.

Learn more about Ovogene’s egg donor requirements and using donor eggs in treatment

As AI continues to evolve, its integration promises further advancements, paving the way for improved outcomes and enhanced patient experiences in reproductive medicine. 

With Ovogene leading the charge in AI−driven reproductive solutions, individuals and families can embark on their journey toward parenthood with confidence and hope for a brighter future.

Begin your journey as a donor or recipient with Ovogene, one of the most innovative egg banks in the world – get in touch here for an initial consultation today.

Want to hear more from Ovogene? Read this next: Interested in the three parent baby technique? This is the only donor bank using AI to enhance results