The concept of ‘Matching’ is becoming more and more widespread, especially among young people and especially in the field of love. This action occurs when two people manage to have a special connection and, by matching, begin to talk with the aim of getting to know each other better and, perhaps, start a relationship. We can say that it is one of the most used words in the dictionary of love in the 21st century. When we extrapolate this action to another field such as assisted reproduction, we talk about genetic matching.
What is genetic matching in assisted reproduction and what is its purpose?
Genetic matching is the process of comparing the results of autosomal recessive disease carrier testing between two gamete donors to determine their reproductive risk (1). This fundamental procedure is performed in treatments such as egg donation or oocyte donation.
The aim of this test is to select a donor that does not share variants in the same genes as the other gamete in order to avoid transmitting genetic mutations associated with hereditary diseases. We can therefore say that it is a disease prevention measure.
Genetic screening to minimise disease. Science and ethics
It is estimated that there are more than 1300 recessive inherited diseases, taking into account autosomal and X-linked diseases (2). In addition, recent whole exome studies have revealed that each individual carries 2 to 8 pathogenic variants.
Thanks to Royal Decree Law 9/2014 of 4 July establishing the quality and safety standards for the donation, procurement, evaluation, processing, preservation, storage and distribution of human cells and tissues and approving the coordination and operating rules for their use in humans, in one of its sections it makes special mention of the necessary study in donors to assess the risk of transmission of hereditary diseases (3).
This RD-Law indicates that the personal and family medical history of donors must be reviewed and evaluated in order to identify any factor that could represent a risk to the health of third parties (2). This is the origin of genetic matching in assisted reproduction, made possible by scientific progress and excellence.
Key factors in genetic matching
Various factors are analysed within genetic matching. In order to determine the compatibility between donor and partner, everything from genetics as such to phenotypes or physical characteristics are studied.
Among the analyses that must be carried out, histocompatibility also stands out. This factor is relevant to know if there is a risk of immunological rejection or complications during pregnancy. It is also important to know the donor’s physical and mental health to rule out any influence on the quality of the genetic material.
Ovobank ID role, security in the process
At OvobankID patients can choose and select their preferred donor. This is possible thanks to the exhaustive protocols and previous tests carried out by OvobankID’s professionals. All donors – girls between 18 and 32 years of age and in good physical and psychological health – are subjected to gynaecological, serological and genetic examinations (this is where genetic matching comes in).
Such are the strict protocols that are taken into account in the tests that only 34% of the donors pass the tests successfully. This security in the process makes Ovobank the leading gamete bank in Europe.
References
- Romero, M. M., Chaure, A. Y., & Navas, P. SCREENING Y MATCHING GENÉTICO EN DONACIÓN DE GAMETOS.
- Henneman L, Borry P, Chokoshvili D, et al. Responsible implementation of expanded carrier screening. 2016. Eur J Hum Genet.; 24(6): e1–e12.
- «BOE» núm. 163, de 5 de julio de 2014, páginas 52716 a 52763.
