All patients are required to call Pittsburgh Cryobank, Inc. to schedule an appointment with the laboratory. Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:00am-2:00pm.
Physician’s Referral
All patients interested in sperm banking must be under the care of a physician and obtain a physician’s prescription, or referral. All cryopreservation reports and viral testing results of the patient will be released to the referring physician only. The physician’s referral may be faxed to our office prior to the scheduled appointment or delivered by the patient during the first scheduled appointment. The physician’s referral should request:
- Sperm cryopreservation and viral testing necessary for banking.
- If more than 1 semen sample will be frozen and stored, the physician’s referral must include the number of samples to be cryopreserved, or a reference to “multiple samples.”
Viral Disease Testing
All patients will be screened for the following viral diseases during the first scheduled appointment:
- HIV 1 & 2
- HTLV I & II
- Hepatitis B (sAg testing)
- Hepatitis C
Recommended Abstinence
For the best quality sample, Pittsburgh Cryobank, Inc. recommends 2-5 days abstinence from any ejaculation prior to your appointment. Any semen sample submitted, regardless of days abstinence, can be cryopreserved. However, please be aware that the sample quality may not be optimal. We are aware that some medical treatment regimens, or timeframes, may not allow the recommended days of abstinence. Remember that this is only a recommendation, NOT a requirement to cryopreserve a sample.
Photo Identification
On each visit to the laboratory at Pittsburgh Cryobank, Inc., patients must bring a form of photo identification. A copy of your photo identification will accompany your cryopreservation worksheet. As well, your photo identification will serve as verification on all contract acknowledgements and consents.
Fees
Payment is due at the time of service via cash (exact amount), check, or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express). Please note that we do not accept insurance, but will provide you with an itemized receipt for reimbursement, if applicable. See Fees for a list of our current prices.