SPAR Step By Step Checklist

1) Patient Information Packet

• Thoroughly review the SPAR info packet.
  Download PDFs One , Two , Three , Four
  

2) Consultation

At this initial meeting, Dr. Ann Kiessling, the Director of SPAR, will review your specific circumstances, risks, treatment options available for you, and answer your questions. If needed, a special plan for patient confidentiality will be developed.
She will be your advocate with fertility clinics and other physicians as needed.

• Complete and mail the Infection History Questionaire and the Consult Request

• Schedule Initial Consultation

3) Evaluation of Male Partner

Evaluation of the male partner begins with the specialized semen analyses provided when the specimen is submitted for viral testing .

However, it is possible that SPAR staff may recommend not going forward with a pregnancy cycle, or postponing the cycle if a problem has been found, such as multiple semen specimens testing positive for virus. This may be caused by common problems in semen producing organs, such as inflammation of the prostate, that can be treated by a urologist.

In addition to safety considerations for pregnancy attempts, it is in the long term health interests of the HIV-infected male to decrease or eliminate HIV in all semen producing organs.

• Submit Two Specimens for Testing (two separate kits)
• Enclose signed consent form for viral testing for each specimen
• If HIV is detected, submit a third specimen
• If two specimens in a row test positive for HIV, schedule a follow-up conference with Dr. Kiessling (no additional fee).

4) Cryopreservation of Sperm

Cryopreserve (freeze to keep alive) purified ("washed"), PCR tested, sperm from at least two specimens prior to beginning infertility treatment. This requires at least two Live Semen Transport Kits . Sperm from two specimens are required to guarantee the availability of viable sperm.

Each specimen will be tested for HIV by the specialized molecular biology PCR test for virus particles and for infected cells. Sperm only from specimens with an undetectable viral burden will be used to attempt a pregnancy.

Additionally, if necessary, sperm may be recovered from the testis (testicular sperm aspiration, known as TESA) or the epididymis (microepididymal sperm aspiration, MESA). This is accomplished by delicate surgical procedures developed for male-factor infertility. It is possible to test the aspirates for HIV.

• Receive test results from two HIV-undetectable specimens
• Receive confirmation that you have two specimens cryopreserved and ready for shipment to an infertility center. (we request 30 days notice of shipment)
• Remember a $35 monthly storage fee per specimen will apply after the first month of storage

5) Evaluation of Female Partner

The female partner will undergo a thorough evaluation by a gynecologist or an infertility specialist. Although most women entering SPAR will not have an infertility problem, infertility treatment requires medications and examinations that are costly and time consuming, so full evaluation of the female’s reproductive tract is important in order to anticipate or correct problems that might arise.

Hormone levels and antibodies against infectious diseases will also be measured. This information will help anticipate the possible response to IVF medications, deteremine prior exposure to infectious agents, and measure protective immunity important to all women seeking to establish a pregnancy.

• Visit a gynecologist or infertility specialist for evaluation
• Understand the type of procedure recommended
• Notify SPAR Coordinator of choice of infertility clinic.
• Notify SPAR coordinator of tentative schedule for infertility procedure.

6) Specimen Shipping

The Foundation can ship cryopreserved specimens to any location in the world.
The fee for shipment, and the signed consent form, are required in advance and all outstanding charges on the pateint’s account must be reconciled. In order to protect your specimen from loss, damage or delay during shipping, the Foundation will generally only ship specimens Monday thru Wednesday. Specimens are shipped in a dryshipper containing liquid nitrogen vapor. At least 30 days notice is required prior to shipping.

• Complete and mail the signed shipping consent form with payment.
• Confirm that all outstanding charges and fees on the account have been settled.
• Confirm date of procedure and date specimen is required with your infertility center or doctor.
• Confirm with SPAR coordinator that all paperwork, fees and dates for shipping have been set.