Zika virus changing procedures at world's largest sperm bank in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — Zika virus fears are having a big impact on not only pregnant women, but those who want to get pregnant, but can't.

Channel 9 anchor Jamie Holmes found out the world's largest sperm bank is in Orlando, and the Zika virus is changing how it does business.

No matter what, all donors have always had to give regular blood tests. But without a Food and Drug Administration-approved blood test for the Zika Virus, recent sperm samples had been going into a moratorium.

"All sperm goes into a holding pattern and has to be quarantined for six months after collection,” said Corey Burke, Cryos International. "The donors are tested many, many times in that six months to enure they're free and clear."

So Cryos is screening those donors using a Zika virus blood test that is not approved by the FDA.

The business said that has affected donations, regardless of specimen, blood, tissue and organ donors.

"I'm kind of surprised by the lack of action by major organizations like the FDA,” Burke said.

And the Zika virus continues to change the rules day by day. If a case pops up in Orange County, those rules will change again.

"It's certainly not out of the question that Orlando sees it before the summertime is over,” Burke said.

The facility also collects eggs. So far, though, the belief is that sperm is far more likely to be affected by the Zika virus than eggs.

Contact Jamie Holmes for more on this story.

Cox Media Group