Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become a donor?

Go to becomingadonor.com

 

FAQ

1. What’s included in Andrology Services?
We provide andrology testing and andrology services ordered by your physician. Andrology tests are ordered when there may be health conditions related to or causing male infertility. The results of these tests help your physician give you a diagnosis, and provide a treatment plan for fertility or your general health. We provide your physician with results and where they fall in our testing parameters, but it makes more sense for your physician to go over the results with you because they know your medical history and can provide a treatment plan for you.

2. Do I need a physician’s referral to freeze sperm? What about for a semen analysis?
Yes, even though banking sperm is not an invasive procedure, you do need to be under a physician’s care. This can be but does not have to be a fertility specialist, it can also be a urologist, a family physician, your partner’s OB-GYN, an oncologist, or an endocrinologist. Your physician should write the prescription or order requesting sperm cryopreservation, and if more than one sample needs to be frozen, then the order should specify either how many or ‘multiple samples.’ Your physician can fax or email the order to our office, or you can bring it to your first scheduled appointment.

3. What are the costs involved?
Please see fee sheets.

4. Do you provide short and long-term storage?
Yes, we can provide storage on a monthly basis or as long as you want the sperm stored.

5. How long can my sperm remain frozen?
Indefinitely. Current scientific knowledge suggests that sperm can be frozen, stored and then used successfully for an unlimited amount of time. However, successful use does depend on what method was used to freeze the sperm and on the original quality of the sperm.

6. What happens if there is a power outage, are my sperm at risk?
Sperm are stored in self-contained liquid nitrogen tanks and are constantly monitored, both on-site and remotely. The liquid nitrogen tanks can last for approximately 60 days without being refilled and no power source is needed to keep them frozen. We also have back-up generators to ensure the tank alarms will work in a power outage.

7. I have a billing question, who do I contact?
call us at: 412-687-0335 or email us at: pittinfo@cryobio.com

8. Can I get my andrology test results?
Yes, you can call our office and request a copy of your test results. You will have to wait until your physician has received them and gone over them with you, as most physicians prefer this method. Your test results are more meaningful when your doctor can explain your test results along with any diagnosis or treatment they are considering for you.

9. How long does it take for andrology test results to get to my physician?
Most results will be sent to your physician within 3-5 business days after testing. If a freeze and thaw test was requested, this may take up to 7 business days.

10. Do you take insurance? Why do I have to pay at my appointment?
We do not take insurance. Unfortunately, most fertility treatments are not covered by insurance, however initial diagnostic testing is often covered. We will provide you with a receipt you can share with your insurance company so that you can get reimbursed from your insurance company for any covered services we provide. We require payment at the time of your appointment.