Specimen Quality Standard

To download a PDF of the Fairfax Cryobank Instructions for Semen Identification, Thawing and Specimen Quality Standard, please click here.

Fairfax Cryobank Donor Specimen Quality Standard

Terms and conditions of the Fairfax Cryobank ("Cryobank") Anonymous and ID Option specimen quality standard:

 a) Specimen Quality Standard is as follows:

b) Sperm counts will vary 10-30% depending on the lab personnel and counting method. Laboratory variation is expected and taken into consideration when processing complaints. The possibility exists that sperm counts performed at other laboratories may be less than the stated specimen standards. Semen is not a homogenous or uniform mixture which adds to sample variability. A variation in count does not indicate the specimen is not suitable for insemination or that a pregnancy will not result if used for an insemination. Fairfax Cryobank takes these variations into account when determining eligibility for refund or credit.

c) The physician/clinic must follow the Cryobank's printed thaw procedures enclosed in each shipment. Thaw procedures may vary among specimen types.

d) Our specimen quality standard applies at the time of thaw and prior to any post thaw processing. Sperm cells will be lost in the process of washing a specimen. A pre-processing count must be taken to determine if the specimen meets the Specimen Quality Standard. If the physician’s office is not able to provide a pre-processing count and the specimen was washed and/or processed before use, you can expect the total motile cell (TMC) count to be less than the stated quality standard. We back our quality standard at the time of thaw only.

e) Specimens stored outside the Cryobank longer than 120 days are not eligible for refunds or credits. We do not have control over the storage and handling practices of outside laboratories or at other storage facilities.

f) Our shipping tanks will keep specimens frozen for 7 days. Physicians or laboratory personnel who receive our tanks containing specimens should check the tank upon arrival to be sure that the specimens arrive frozen. If you suspect that specimens have thawed, please call 1-800-338-8407 immediately and speak with a laboratory technician. If the specimen arrives thawed, we will ship via FedEx Priority Overnight Service replacement specimens at no charge. If replacement specimens are shipped and not used, they can only be returned to the Cryobank for storage and are not eligible for any credit. If a replacement specimen is not available on your donor, a different donor you select of equal value may be substituted. If a specimen from a different donor is not an acceptable solution, you will be credited for the cost of the thawed specimens and the cost of shipping. Shipping tanks are available that will keep the specimens frozen for 14 days for an additional charge. Contact Client Services for details.

g) If a specimen’s total motile cells (TMC) tests below our quality standard prior to any additional processing, the physician/clinic must report specific specimen data and submit a complaint within 10 business days of thawing. Notification is to be made by calling 1-800-338-8407 to file a complaint over the phone with our Client Services department.

h) Shipping costs cannot be refunded unless specimens arrive thawed.

i) If pregnancy is achieved, the client is not eligible for any refund or credit, regardless of the total motile count (TMC) of the specimen prior to or after any processing.

j) The Cryobank's liability for any deficiency in specimen quality will be limited to supplying a replacement specimen or full or partial refund for the cost of the specimen only, excluding shipping fees, at the Cryobank's discretion. The Cryobank will in no event be liable for any consequential or incidental damages, including but not limited to any additional or associated expenses incurred by the patient during infertility treatment.

k) This specimen quality standard is void if ownership of specimens is transferred to a different owner prior to use.