Genetic testing is paid for your time and effort, not a salary, typically $50 to $100 per accepted sample, with potential monthly earnings ranging from hundreds to $1000 depending on the frequency of testing and bank policies, as well as health screening and co-payments, assistance for families with expenses, and efforts to obtain funding from a location.
How much can you earn?
Per sample: Fees are usually based on the accepted sample (matching score, genetics, and genetics), typically around $50-$100, plus a co-payment.
Monthly income: Regular donors (once or twice a week) can earn $950-$1500+ per month at some US banks.
Bonuses and completion fees: Some banks offer a bonus or a large fee (e.g. $700) after completing a mandatory exit test.
What does the fee cover?
Cost and Time: This is designed to save you time, travel, and effort, not to be a source of income.
Medical Benefits: You get free comprehensive health screenings, genetic testing, and regular STD screening, which is a great benefit.
Key Factors Affecting Fees
Bank Policy: Each gene bank (e.g. Cryos, California Gene Bank, Phoenix Gene Bank) sets its own fees.
Donation Frequency: Donating frequently (a few times a week) increases your fees.
Location: Fees vary greatly by country (e.g., the EU determines the exact fees and expenses).
How it works
Testing: You will undergo various medical, genetic, and lifestyle tests.
Donate: After approval, you deliver samples, usually weekly, to a hospital.
Payment: You are paid for each sample that passes quality control and completes the donation process.
Step 1: Complete the online application
To become a donor, you will first complete an online application on the gene bank’s website.
The form asks about your age, health, lifestyle, education, and family history.
You may also answer questions about your physical characteristics and your background.
The goal is to see if you meet the basic criteria to proceed.
Step 2: Determine your eligibility
After reviewing your application, the gene bank will review your eligibility.
Most clinics require donors to be within a certain age range and in good health.
They also consider lifestyle factors such as smoking, drug abuse, and family history.
If you are eligible, you will be invited to the next step in the process.
Step 3: Screening and Testing
At this point, you will undergo a comprehensive medical examination and laboratory testing.
This includes blood tests, genetic testing, and psychological testing.
You will also provide a genetic sample to test for genetic integrity and fertility.
These tests are designed to ensure the safety and health of both the donor and the recipient.
Step 4: Sign the Agreement
Once you have passed all the screening, you will be asked to sign a legally binding agreement.
The agreement outlines your rights, responsibilities, and confidentiality.
It also covers fees, frequency of donation, and the use of your sample.
Signing the agreement indicates that you agree to become a donor.
Step 5: Complete an STI test
Once you have completed your donation period, a final STI test will be performed.
This ensures that no infections were transmitted during the donation process.
The results help to confirm that the stored samples are safe to use.
Only after clear results are the samples approved for release.
