NEW POLICY - July 2026
Sickle Cell Trait Testing for College Athletes
DHHS-Maine CDC Maine Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requires all Division I, II, and III athletes to be tested for sickle cell trait through a blood test. Individuals with sickle cell trait carry one sickle cell gene and one normal gene, which, with such sickle cell trait, typically does not indicate any symptoms. Rarely, however, serious health problems may develop after individuals with sickle cell trait experience extreme physical stress, such as loss of fluids (severe dehydration).
Athletes with sickle cell trait may need to take special precautions and monitoring to lower their risk of training-related health problems. More information is available about college athletes and sickle cell trait at the NCAA website.
NCAA Sickle Cell Trait Testing Requirements and Department Screening Results
As of February 2025, the NCAA requires student-athletes to provide their college/university with documented results from a sickle cell solubility test. While newborn bloodspot screening in Maine includes testing for hemoglobinopathies (including sickle cell), the methods used are different from the sickle cell solubility test specified by the NCAA. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services Maine CDC Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program (Department) has never used sickle cell solubility testing, and newborn bloodspot screening results do not meet NCAA requirements.
As of July 13, 2026, the Department will no longer provide Maine-born student athletes with newborn screening sickle cell reports for the purpose of meeting NCAA testing requirements. To comply with the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the Department will continue to fulfill requests for newborn bloodspot screening reports from healthcare providers for appropriate medical and public health purposes.
NCAA Sickle Cell Trait Testing Requirements The easiest way to meet NCAA sickle cell trait testing requirements is to get a blood test. Anyone can order sickle cell trait solubility testing at a private laboratory by ordering through a primary care provider, who may order sickle cell testing or refer you to a private lab. More information is available about test costs and laboratory locations, by searching “sickle cell solubility test”. The college health center or athletic program about a reduced-cost option for student athletes may be available. A sickle cell solubility test may also be available commercially and independently ordered directly through third-party laboratory testing services.