How do I obtain documentation of my sickle cell trait status to meet NCAA requirements?
- For those people who were born in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island:
- Fill out (and sign!) the Sickle Cell Trait Newborn Screening Form with all information, and make sure it is accurate. Fax the form in to the New England Newborn Screening Program at 774-455-4657. The program will fax the information on record back to the athletic training staff.
- *if you are a twin, triplet, etc. be sure to write on the form near your name which number birth you were (example: Twin #1, Triplet #2…this is needed to obtain the correct information and will save us a step in the process)
- Sickle Cell Trait Newborn Screening form
- For those born elsewhere:
- Ask your primary care physician for documentation. Many people were tested at birth, and the primary care physician should have that information in your medical record.
- If you were not tested or you are having trouble finding your results, you can request a sickle cell solubility test as part of your physical. Be sure to provide documentation that you are being tested and also provide documentation of the results to us when they are released. This method will likely be covered by your health insurance.
- Get tested! You will need to provide documentation stating that you have been tested and results are pending, and then provide documentation of the results when they are released.
- You may request a sickle cell solubility test from your primary care physician as part of your physical. This method is likely covered by your health insurance.
- You can generate a test order and have blood drawn at a local Quest Diagnostics lab. The testing fee is $32.50. Click the following link to generate the test order and find a local lab based on your location: https://sicklecelltesting.pwnhealth.com/
In the event that you need to be tested and results are still pending when your season begins, you will need to provide documentation that you have been tested and results are pending, participate in Sickle Cell Trait educational information, and sign a waiver form that temporarily covers this NCAA requirement. Sickle Cell Trait Temporary Waiver and Education form
Sickle Cell Trait
Though it has recently raised alarm in the athletic community, exercising with sickle cell trait is generally safe and with proper awareness and education poses no barriers to outstanding athletic performance. Most athletes complete their careers without any complications. But it can affect some athletes during periods of intense exercise, when the inherited condition causes red blood cells to warp into stiff and sticky sickle shapes that block blood vessels and deprive vital organs and muscles of oxygen. The trait can affect athletes at all levels, including high school, collegiate, Olympic and professional. But through testing and proper examinations by a physician prior to competition, we can help athletes savor a healthy career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sickle-cell trait?
It’s a generally benign condition in which a person inherits from their parents one gene for the oxygen-carrying element in their red blood cells – hemoglobin – and one gene for sickle shaped hemoglobin. It is not the same as the more severe condition, sickle cell disease, in which both genes for sickle hemoglobin are inherited. Those with the trait experience normal healthy lives. Only in situations where the body is pushed to extreme conditions, as athletes do, can the trait sometimes cause red blood cells to sickle and block blood vessels, denying oxygen to muscles and organs. But in most cases, carriers of the trait live normal, healthy lives without incident.
How common is it?
About 8 percent of the African-American population in the U.S. carries the trait, but it is rare (around 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 10,000) in Caucasians. It is present in athletes at all levels, from high school through the professional ranks.
Are student athletes tested for the trait?
It depends. A student-athlete must provide their school with documented results from a previous sickle cell solubility test or they must undergo testing during their preparticipation medical examination. Tests for sickle cell trait are currently performed on all newborns in the United States and many other countries, but few are aware of a positive result because the condition is not considered life threatening in most of the population. The requirement to test or provide documented results of a prior test are to make coaches and athletic trainers aware that some athletes may need to take precautions.
Are athletes with sickle cell trait allowed to compete?
There is no reason they shouldn’t be allowed to compete. Sickle cell trait only becomes a threat in certain rare situations in which athletes push the limits of their physical conditioning. Being aware of the trait and taking proper precautions can help trait carriers enjoy successful and healthy athletic careers.