The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is requiring all Division II student-athletes to know their sickle cell trait status by testing. This change is in effect for the 2022-2023 school year and will not permit student-athletes to waive testing. This includes try-outs and out of season training.
Information describing the nature of sickle cell trait, the individuals that might be at risk, and signs and symptoms that may occur in individuals who have the trait can be found on the NCAA website at the following address:
http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/sickle-cell-trait
Please review the material to familiarize yourself with Sickle Cell Trait and the current guidelines for managing the condition.Â
You were likely already tested as a newborn baby, although variations on implementing this testing vary by state and country. You can consult your primary care physician to determine if this test has been performed previously and results recorded, however some states such as New Jersey do not require a newborn's pediatrician to be informed of the test results for Sickle Cell Trait and this information might only be available by contacting the hospital where you were born. If you wish to present proof of prior testing, an official copy of the laboratory test showing Hemoglobin Solubility result is required. A written note from the doctor indicating the athlete's sickle cell trait status is NOT an acceptable form of confirmation.
In the event that you have not been previously tested or do not have access to those records and wish to determine your trait status, information and instructions on scheduling an appointment for a blood test and payment details is included below.
Georgian Court University is not financially responsible for the cost of testing and this will be the sole responsibility of the student-athlete.
Sickle cell trait does not prevent any student - athlete from participation. However, student-athletes carrying the trait, their coaches, and medical personnel should be aware of their status so the student-athlete can be monitored appropriately, and measures can be taken to minimize any potential risk associated with participation in intercollegiate athletics.
In summary, you have two choices regarding this new requirement.
1. You can provide a copy of prior test results for sickle cell trait.
2. You can elect to get tested at your own expense.
No athlete will be permitted to begin participation in athletic activity including strength and conditioning session, practices and competitions until their medical chart contains either a confirmed laboratory test result for sickle cell trait.
How to Get Tested for Sickle Cell Trait:
Screening through primary care physician:
Student-athletes who schedule to be screened through their primary physician's office must provide an official copy of the test results to the GCU Athletic Training staff by uploading the lab report to the Student Health Portal. A written note and/or marking status on a physical form or prescription pad is not an acceptable form of confirmation.
Screening through Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp:
Testing is also available through either Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp. The student-athlete must make an appointment for a Hemoglobin Solubility Test to determine sickle cell status.
  - Quest Diagnostics: Quest test #37679, CPT 85660 (Sickle cell screen with reflex to hemoglobinopathy fraction cascade).
  - Labcorp: Labcorp test #005330, CPT 85660 (Hemoglobin solubility with reflex to hemoglobinopathy fractionation cascade).
Transfer Students:
If you are transferring from an NCAA institution you can contact your previous athletic department for copies of your results.
Newborn Screening Request:
Contact your states department of health to request newborn screening results.
   New Jersey
   Pennsylvania
   New York
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What if my sickle cell screen comes back positive?
In the event a student-athlete's sickle cell screening comes back positive additional testing will be required before they are cleared to participate in athletic activities. A Sickle cell screen with reflex to hemoglobinopathy evaluation will be needed to determine if a patient has sickle cell trait or disease.
REMINDER: While results are pending, athletes are not permitted to begin participation in athletic activity including strength and conditioning session, practices and competitions.
