Overview of Donor Screening
The FMT donor screening process is one of the most rigorous medical screening protocols, designed to ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy. Only 2-3% of potential donors pass the complete screening process, making qualified FMT donors extremely rare.
Initial Screening Phase
Health Questionnaire
Comprehensive medical history assessment covering:
- Past and current medical conditions
- Medication usage (especially antibiotics)
- Travel history to endemic areas
- Family medical history
- Lifestyle factors and diet
Physical Examination
Thorough clinical assessment including:
- General health evaluation
- BMI and weight assessment
- Vital signs monitoring
- Gastrointestinal health review
Laboratory Testing
Extensive laboratory workup is performed to screen for infectious diseases and assess overall health:
Blood Tests
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Liver function tests
- Hepatitis A, B, C
- HIV 1 & 2
- Syphilis (RPR)
- HTLV-1
Stool Testing
- Bacterial pathogens (Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter)
- Parasites (Ova and parasites exam)
- Giardia and Cryptosporidium antigens
- C. difficile toxin
- Norovirus and rotavirus
- Helicobacter pylori
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
- Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria
Advanced Screening
Microbiome Analysis
Comprehensive analysis of the donor's gut microbiome including:
- Microbial diversity assessment
- Beneficial bacteria abundance
- Absence of pathogenic organisms
- Metabolic activity evaluation
Genetic Testing
Screening for genetic markers that may affect transplant success:
- Antibiotic resistance genes
- Virulence factors
- Metabolic pathway genes
Exclusion Criteria
Potential donors are excluded if they have:
Medical History
- Antibiotic use within 3-6 months
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Autoimmune conditions
- Metabolic disorders
- Mental health conditions requiring medication
- History of malignancy
Risk Factors
- High-risk sexual behavior
- Intravenous drug use
- Recent travel to endemic areas
- Tattoos or piercings within 6 months
- Recent vaccinations
- Close contact with infectious individuals
Quality Control & Storage
Once a donor is approved:
- Fresh sampling: Stool collected within 6 hours of donation
- Processing: Immediate processing under sterile conditions
- Testing: Each donation individually tested
- Storage: Frozen at -80°C to preserve viability
- Tracking: Complete chain of custody documentation
Ongoing Monitoring
Approved donors undergo regular re-screening:
- Monthly health questionnaires
- Quarterly blood and stool testing
- Annual comprehensive screening
- Immediate reporting of any health changes