FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the reproductive cells & tissue that can be frozen?

Currently, we are able to cryopreserve (freeze) the following reproductive cells & tissue: Sperm, Testicular tissue, 
Epididymal aspirate  and ovarian tissue. As research advances, other type of cells or tissue may be cryopreserved to be directed toward reproduction.

Why should I store my reproductive cells & tissue?

Chemotherapy, Radiation, Medication, Surgery or Exposure to Hazardous Materials can all have an adverse effect on human reproduction and the quality of the sperm and egg. 

How long will the process of storing my reproductive cells & tissue take before I can begin my treatment?

Ideally, procedures for the collection and cryopreservation of the reproductive cells & tissue should start  ten - fourteen (10-14) days before the start of treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
In the case of a male patient, sperm samples should be collected preferably after a two - three (2-3) day period of abstinence. Testicular tissue and epididymal aspirates would be obtained under the supervision and care of an Urologist. 
In the case of a female patient, ovarian tissue, germinal vesicles and/or egg cryopreservation techniques are undergoing extensive research to validate the "in vivo" performance of cryopreserved cells & tissue. Until such time whereby applied research becomes accepted as a "state of the art procedure", it is preferable to obtain the appropriate reproductive cells & tissue prior to surgery or the onset of treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation. The surgical retrieval of the ovarian tissue or ovarian follicles would be performed under the care  and supervision of a Reproductive Endocrine surgeon (a fertility specialists)

How many samples and/or visits do I need to have?

We recommend that men be schedule to collect or submit
a minimum of three (3) to five (5) samples to maximize the availability of semen samples in the future. 
However, for men or women requiring the surgical retrieval of reproductive cells and/or tissue the process is limited to 
the cells and/or tissue sample(s) obtained at the time of surgery. 

How long will my reproductive cells & tissue remain viable and how long can they be stored in liquid nitrogen?

The length of time that cryopreserved reproductive cells & tissue remain viable will vary from patient to patient, from specimen to specimen and may be affected by cellular physiology at the time of cryopreservation. No limit has been found for the length of time reproductive cells & tissue can be cryopreserved. 

I have already started treatment for my cancer or started on immunosuppressive drugs. Can I start the process of cryopreserving (freezing) of my reproductive cells & tissue?

Some experts in the field are inclined to believe that it would have been better to have cryopreserved (frozen) the reproductive cells & tissue prior to undergoing surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs. 
However, nature and knowledge do not always follow the same path. Therefore, it maybe feasible to  cryopreserve (freeze) your reproductive cells & tissue and reconsider the issues as they relate to the validity and safety to use the cryopreserved reproductive cells & tissue prior to re-implantation.

How much does it cost to store my reproductive cells & tissue?

The fee schedule is comprised of the following:
              Evaluation,... 
              Processing and Freezing,...
              Diagnostic laboratory tests ,... 
              Annual and/or Monthly Storage,...
              Shipping/Delivery Charges, that may apply... 

Please ask for the Fee Schedule in effect at the time services are rendered

Do you accept Insurance?

We do not accept insurance as a form of payment, unless the insurance company has provided  you or to the tissue bank   with a "pre authorization" notice for full payment of services.

How can I have the Insurance Company consider paying for this service?

We recommend that you have your primary care physician, if any and/or your specialist, to provide you with a letter and/or prescription recommending that you cryopreserve (freeze) your reproductive cells & tissue for future use.

How can I find out in short notice whether my insurance company would cover the evaluation, processing, freezing and the storage of my reproductive cells & tissue?

The insurance industry has designated various CPT codes for  services associated with the  cryopreservation and storage of reproductive cells & tissue. 
Please check with your insurance plan administrator for the level of coverage, related specifically to these services, as provided within the terms of your insurance policy.

How many pregnancies can you guarantee from the reproductive cells & tissue that are in storage?

No one can predict or guarantee with reliability how many pregnancies or how many children you may have from cryopreserved (frozen) reproductive cells & tissue.
However, given today's advances in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), more individuals and couples are able to achieve successful pregnancies while under the managed care of a  Reproductive/Fertility specialist. 

If I do not use my reproductive cells & tissue can I mention or list them in my last will and testament?

Current ethics allow, you, your spouse or sexually intimate partner to use the cryopreserved and stored reproductive cells & tissue to achieve a pregnancy through assisted reproduction. 
It is recommended to consult with an attorney to properly direct the use of your reproductive cells & tissue, beyond the current ethics.

Can I donate my reproductive cells & tissue to someone or to science?

A client depositor that is no longer interested in paying to store his or her reproductive cells & tissue may exercise one of the following options: 
   1. Destroy his/her reproductive cells & tissue.
   2. Expressly donate in writing his/her reproductive  
       cells & tissue for a specific scientific research project.

However, for legal, ethical and health related reasons the reproductive cells & tissue can not be donated to another individual without applying to the proper agencies within that State.

Can my children have access to my reproductive cells & tissue after I am deceased?

Your children may have access to your reproductive cells & tissue if you have prepared a legal document to direct such a transfer. For a definitive legal position for such an event to take place it is recommended for you to consult with an attorney and the regulatory agency in the State in which you reside.

Can I get paid for my donation?

NO! Client Depositors are not reimbursed for donating their reproductive cells & tissue.
But, reproductive cells & tissue may be donated by written consent for specific scientific research

What agency regulates the cryopreservation (freezing) and how I use my reproductive cells & tissue?

There are several agencies, Federal, State  and Medical associations that regulate and monitor one or more of the aspects associated with the process of assisted reproduction. The regulations and guidelines may be specific to the State where you reside. They may also, overlap the current Federal regulations and guidelines, as well as, medical associations that oversee this process. It is advisable to contact all these agencies to make sure that all of your specific questions and concerns are answered.

What are the names of some organizations which deal with fertility issues?

Your reproductive or fertility specialist would probably be your best source. Other reliable sources are independent organizations that are a network of individuals or couples seeking to achieve pregnancies through assisted reproduction. Here is a brief list of some of these independent organizations or network : 
                     Resolve 
                     American Infertility Association
                     Single Mothers by Choice
                     Gay and Lesbian network 

How quickly can I get my reproductive cells & tissue specimen vial(s) sent to my Doctors office?

The transfer and/or delivery of your reproductive cells & tissue
specimen vial(s) to any physician, medical facility or another reproductive tissue bank of your choice can occur within forty eight (48) hours given that all documents and fees are paid up to date. There is a fee for the shipping and/or delivery of your 
specimen vial(s).

How can I be assured that I will get my own reproductive cells &  tissue when I go to use them?

Your reproductive cells and/or tissue submitted to our laboratory is processed under the continuous vigilance of our trained professional staff  while applying all the safety precautions to maintain the integrity of the cell and/or tissue sample submitted
to our tissue bank. 
Some of the recognition indices are:
               Each specimen vial is permanently etched with
               your individual identifying (non modifiable) personal 
               reference codes. 
               Each vial is etched with the day of cryopreservation to 
               correspond to the day of  submission to our tissue bank.
               Each one of your specimen vial(s) will uniformly bear a
               pre-determined color coded cap.
The above information will be made available to you at the time of the initialization of your account with the tissue bank and will become part of your take-home records packet

Can you ship my reproductive cells & tissue to my home address?

We do not recommend shipping reproductive cells & tissue to your home. Regulations and standards recommend shipping reproductive cells & tissue to a physician or medical facility of your choice.

When will I know when I do not need to continue storage of my reproductive cells &  tissue?

You can decide anytime after consulting with a fertility specialist whether you need to continue storage of your reproductive cells & tissue. There are many factors to be considered, your age, the age of the recipient, and if applicable the outcome of any treatment. To facilitate the decision making process for men, we offer at no charge one (1) semen analysis to specifically determine the current sperm count (number of sperm cells) and the sperm motility (percent of sperm cells moving). We recommend  that this procedure be undertaken eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) months from the date of the last therapy related treatment or surgery.

Can you define the term "Directed or Designated Donor"

A Directed or Designated donor is an individual chosen by the couple or the recipient, to donate their sperm exclusively and solely to the female recipient in conceiving a child or children by assisted reproduction.

I have met someone who I would like to be my Directed or Designated Donor. What are the steps I should follow now?

These steps are as follows: All parties to the selection of the donor as well as the donor must meet with the tissue bank's Director for an interview. Once it has been established that all parties have been counseled and consented unanimously, the donor will be allowed to start the evaluation process. The donor will undergo a physical examination, as well as, blood, urine and semen laboratory tests. These results will be reviewed by the Medical Director, prior to the actual storage of specimens. The specimens will remain in quarantine for six (6) months from the date of the last specimen donated, followed by a series of laboratory tests. The results of this post quarantine testing must be reviewed and accepted by the Tissue Bank's Medical Director prior to the release of specimens.