Sickle Cell
Sickle cell trait is an inherited condition of the oxygen-carrying protein, hemoglobin, in red blood cells.
Although sickle cell trait is most predominant in African-Americans and those of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, Caribbean, and South and Central American ancestry, persons of all races and ancestry may test positive for sickle cell trait.
Sickle cell trait is usually benign, but during intense, sustained exercise, hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the tissue) may cause red blood cells to change shape from a normal disc shape to a crescent or "sickle" shape. Such cells can accumulate in the bloodstream and "logjam" blood vessels, blocking circulation to muscles, as well as the heart, leading to a collapse from the decreased circulation of blood.
A simple blood test, followed by a laboratory technique called Hemoglobin Electrophoresis will determine the type of hemoglobin you have.
All states have made infant screening available between 1975 and 2006. For a complete list of states, please reference this article
The following information has been made available by the NCAA:
*For a full sized PDF version, click here
NCAA Sickle Cell Trait Video
