GeneMatch

Take a gene compatibility test to ensure you and your donor are a good match.

Get Peace of Mind with GeneMatch  

Did you know that you can test your genetic compatibility with your chosen donor to help ensure a good match? Read on to discover why this could be a smart choice.  

Genetic screening

Why Test for Gene Compatibility?   

While we rigorously screen our donors for genetic health, a good match also considers your unique genetic profile. That's why we offer a gene compatibility test to ensure that you and your chosen donor complement each other in the best way possible. This test provides added peace of mind, knowing that your combined genetics support the best possible outcome for your future child’s health. 

What is GeneMatch?

Each of us inherits two copies of every gene, one from our biological mother and one from our biological father. If you and your donor carry mutations in the same gene, this can increase the risk of passing on a genetic condition to your future child. GeneMatch is designed to help reduce that risk by screening and comparing yours and the donor’s genetic material for 421 genes, including those linked to autosomal recessive and dominant diseases.  


Put simply, GeneMatch looks for shared mutations that could lead to a genetic condition in your future child to help you assess the risk of passing on a genetic disease.   



Please note, GeneMatch testing requires additional genetic tests that donors must consent to. Unfortunately, this means that GeneMatch testing is not available for all donors.

GeneMatch
Sperm donor compatibility

Already Have a Carrier Report? Compare with Your Chosen Donor in Just 48 Hours  

If you already have a carrier report, we can compare the common genes from your report with those in the donor’s report free of charge within 48 hours. Simply reach out with the name of your chosen donor, and we’ll provide instructions on completing the match along with the required forms.  


Please note that we cannot accept any genetic reports or information on potential conditions. If we receive such information, we’ll refer you to our GeneMatch test for support.  



The free 48-hour match is based exclusively on the common genes included in both your report and the donor's comprehensive screening report. Additionally, the matching process requires an order of at least one donor unit and a Pregnancy Slot for your selected donor. Should the match return a “no match” result, you’ll be able to choose another donor, and we will continue matching tests with new donor choices until a match is found free of charge.  

What Results Can I Get?

You will receive one of the following results from the GeneMatch test:   

How To Take the Test  

To get started, simply select the GeneMatch option on a donor’s profile, and we’ll send a test kit straight to your door.  


The test is quick and easy to complete. All you need to do is take a mouth swab or saliva sample. A small guide is included that explains each step clearly. It’s all very straightforward.  


Once you’ve completed the test, simply send it back to our test centre using the return label provided. There’s also a clear guide to show you how to do this.  


You'll receive your results within about 4–6 weeks after we receive your sample, and we’ll send the information directly to you via email.  


We recommend purchasing your preferred donor sperm units and storing them with us before the test results come back to ensure your chosen donor doesn’t sell out. With your GeneMatch purchase, you’ll receive 12 months of free storage.  

How geneMatch works

Genetic Disorders Explained

Curious about how genetic disorders are inherited and why we test for compatibility? Let’s take a closer look.  

When a baby is conceived, the genetic material from the mother and father combines to create a unique mix. Each parent provides one chromosome of each set, and during fertilisation, their genes come together to form a new genetic blueprint.  


Genetic disorders are conditions caused by changes or mutations in a person's DNA. These mutations can occur in a single gene or in larger segments of DNA. Some genetic disorders are inherited from biological parents, while others can occur without predisposition in the genetic material.  

 

Genetic disorders are classified into different types: autosomal recessive, where both parents must carry the mutation for the disorder to be passed on; autosomal dominant, where only one parent needs to carry the mutation; and X-linked or Y-linked disorders. Read on to learn more about these types and the specific disorders that GeneMatch screens for.  

Autosomal recessive - GeneMatch

Autosomal Recessive Genetic Disorders

An autosomal recessive genetic disorder occurs only when both copies of a specific gene have mutations. This means a child can only inherit the disorder if both biological parents carry the same mutation and pass it on. That’s why it’s essential to test both you and your potential donor.  


If both biological parents carry the same mutation, there’s a 50% risk that any offspring will inherit one mutation and become a carrier, a 25% chance they will inherit no mutations, and a 25% risk that they will inherit two mutated genes and therefore, a genetic disease.   



If your GeneMatch result indicates incompatibility, it means there’s a 25% risk that your child could inherit an autosomal recessive genetic disorder with your chosen donor. In this case, we recommend selecting a different donor to ensure the best possible outcome for your future child.  

Autosomal Dominant Genetic Disorder 

When a genetic disorder is autosomal dominant, it means the disorder can occur if just one gene is mutated. We screen donors and their families for known autosomal dominant disorders during the intake process.  

Autosomal dominant - GeneMatch
X-linked or Y-linked disorders - Genematch

X and Y-linked Genetic Disorders

X-linked and Y-linked disorders arise in genes on the X and Y sex chromosomes respectively. Females and males have different sex chromosomes - XX and YY.  Females inherit an X chromosome from each biological parent, while male offspring inherit an X chromosome from the mother and a Y chromosome from the father.  
  
Y-linked genetic disorders: Since the Y chromosome can only be passed from the male parent, it isn’t necessary to test your compatibility for Y-linked disorders. With our thorough screening of donors, we exclude any men who are not healthy.  
  
X-linked genetic disorders: These disorders are very rare in females, because they require the same abnormal gene on the X chromosome from each parent.  However, because males have only one X chromosome, they can be affected by an X-linked genetic disorder if they inherit an abnormal gene from their mother.   

GeneMatch therefore alerts you to certain X-linked genetic mutations you may be carrying.   

FAQ for Gene Match

  • Can GeneMatch rule out the risk of all medical conditions? 

    While GeneMatch provides valuable insights, it cannot completely eliminate the risk of having a child with a genetic condition. Genetic testing has its limitations and cannot cover all possible inherited diseases or detect new mutations that may arise in an individual sperm, egg, or foetus.   


    Genetic conditions can occur without predisposition in the genetic material. This means there is no guarantee that a child will be free of a condition, even if both the donor and mother test negative. However, the risk is much lower.  

  • I have no history of serious illness in my family. Is GeneMatch relevant for me? 

    Absolutely! GeneMatch is relevant for all women considering fertility treatment with a sperm donor, regardless of family medical history. Many people can be carriers of certain recessive genetic disorders without showing any signs or symptoms. If both biological parents carry the same genetic mutation, there’s a 25% risk that their child could inherit that condition. Remember, being a carrier does not mean you are sick; the only way to know for sure is through genetic testing.   

  • Will the GeneMatch test delay my fertility treatment? 

    You can expect to receive your GeneMatch results about 4-6 weeks after we receive your test sample. In the meantime, we recommend ordering your preferred donor sperm units and storing them with us to ensure they remain available for you. This way, you can move forward with your fertility treatment without any delay.  

  • How much does GeneMatch cost?

    A single GeneMatch test with one donor costs 900 EUR. If it turns out that you are not a compatible match with your chosen donor, you can exchange already purchased units free of charge, if the following conditions are met:   

    • The donor is in the same category  
    • The unit type remains the same  
    • The selected donor must have units in stock  

    Once you’ve chosen a new donor, please let us know and we will provide you with a new GeneMatch at no extra cost.  

  • How do I use GeneMatch?

    GeneMatch is based on mouth swab or a sample of your saliva. Once you have ordered the test, we will send you a test kit that includes detailed instructions on how to provide and send your sample.

  • Do I get a genetic profile?

    No, GeneMatch only determines whether your genes and those of your donor are a compatible match - meaning there is no risk of passing on one of the 400+ recessive genetic diseases screened for by GeneMatch. GeneMatch will not provide a map or report of your entire genetic profile.   

  • Can I request that GeneMatch screens for disorders not included in the test?

    Unfortunately, no. The GeneMatch test includes a fixed panel of over 400 conditions, and we are unable to screen for disorders outside of this established list.  

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