Cal State San Marcos Athletics

Sickle Cell Trait

Effective in 2010, the NCAA Division I Legislative Council decided that all incoming student-athletes must be tested for sickle cell trait, show proof of a prior test or sign a waiver releasing an institution from liability if they decline to be tested.

Sickle cell trait is not a disease. It is the inheritance of one gene for normal hemoglobin (A) and one gene for sickle hemoglobin (S), giving the genotype AS. Sickle cell trait can change the shape of red blood cells during intense or extensive exertion/exercise, causing a blockage in blood vessels and rapid breakdown of muscles, including the heart.

People at high risk for having sickle cell trait are those whose ancestors come from Africa, South or Central America, Caribbean, Mediterranean countries, India, and Saudi Arabia. Sickle cell trait occurs in about 8 percent of the U.S. African-American population and rarely (between one in 2,000 to one in 10,000) in the Caucasian population. It is present in athletes at all levels, including high school, collegiate, Olympic and professional. Sickle cell trait is no barrier to outstanding athletic performance. Sickle cell trait is generally benign and consistent with a long, healthy life. Most athletes complete their careers without any complications. However, there are three constant concerns that exist for athletes with sickle cell trait: gross hematuria, splenic infarction, and exertional rhabdomyolysis, which can be fatal.

As of May 23, 2025, the NCAA will now only accept Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) Solubility testing or higher to meet the mandated requirement. This change renders the newborn screening test that was obtainable through your department of health unacceptable for NCAA reporting purposes.
 
Options to Obtain a Blood Test:
 
1.     It is recommended to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP) and request to be sickle cell tested. You must be specific in requesting the Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) Solubility Test. It may take several weeks to obtain your results.
2.     If you are unable to obtain the results from your PCP, you can find a Quest lab or another laboratory near you to be sickle cell trait tested. The test costs around $60, and you get the results within a few days. Sickle Cell Trait Screen Test with Reflex
 
Additional information and educational materials about sickle cell trait are available for student-athletes, coaches, and athletics personnel at the NCAA – Sports Science Institute.
 
Should you have any questions, please call 760-750-7111.