Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
Rhode Island Department of HealthState of Rhode Island
Department of Health
According to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules, all Division I, II, and III school athletes are required to be tested for sickle cell trait through a blood test (hemoglobin electrophoresis testing).
Individuals with sickle cell trait (a single sickle cell gene and one normal gene) typically do not have any symptoms. However, rarely, they may develop serious health problems during extreme physical stress, such as loss of fluids (severe dehydration). Athletes with sickle cell trait may need to take special precautions to lower the slight risk of training-related deaths. For more information about college athletes and sickle cell trait, visit the NCAA website.
Note: If the student was NOT born in Rhode Island, please contact the newborn screening office in the state in which the student was born.
Option 1: Your primary care provider may order sickle cell testing or refer you to a private lab. Search for “sickle cell solubility test” to learn more about cost and test locations. Anyone can get sickle cell trait testing and results at private labs. If you’re a student who was born before January 1, 2000, you must use a private lab for testing and results.
Option 2: Student athletes who are 18 or older, or the parents or guardian of students under 18, may request that test results be sent directly to them. To obtain your results, please complete the appropriate section of the Sickle Cell Request Form.
Option 3: Results may be sent to the student’s primary care provider. To have results sent to your primary care provider:
Option 4: If you are a student athlete, do not have a primary care provider, and need sickle cell trait test results, please complete the appropriate section of the Sickle Cell Request Form. Choosing this option will send test results only to the student athlete’s health center at their college or university. Results cannot be sent to coaching staff.
Once you complete the form and all required steps, the Newborn Screening Nurse will fax or securely email your sickle cell trait test results within five business days.
Due to the large number of requests received, RIDOH is unable to confirm receipt of the request or confirm that results were sent to your primary care provider. If it has been more than five business days since you made the request and your provider has not received the results, please contact the Newborn Screening Program Manager at 401-222-5924.