For each season of participation in UAH intercollegiate athletics, all student athletes must have the results of a sickle cell solubility exam logged in the UAH training room. This information is collected during the mandatory medical exam conducted through the training department. All student athletes are given the opportunity to take the SSSE free of charge to the student-athlete and also allowed to provide their own results. The exam is conducted by the UAH Student Health Services office and the results are sent to the head trainer. Student Health Services will bill the athletic department with an inter-university transfer of funds, a set amount for each test. The head trainer will communicate the results to the student athlete and the coach of the sport as necessary. The SSSE requirement is mandated by the NCAA legislation. Student athletes should contact the head trainer with questions.
Steps to take for Student Athletes and the NCAA Sickle Cell Solubility Exam Requirement-
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Student athletes are to submit to the training room their sickle cell status as they enter as a student for the first time at UAH. If they document their status or have the exam upon entering UAH, they do not have to do anything else as far as documenting for the remainder of their UAH athletic career.
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For those student athletes who do not know their Sickle Cell Trait and wish to take the Sickle Cell Solubility Exam to find out their trait status, they may go to the UAH Student Health Center on the third floor of Wilson Hall and request the exam. The Health Center will administer the test and submit it for results. The cost of the exam will not be charged to the student athlete but billed to the athletic department through inter-university billing. Once their status is known, they do not have to do anything else as far as documenting for the remainder of their UAH athletic career. Results of the test will go to the head athletic trainer. The head trainer will notify the student athlete and their head coach if necessary.
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If the student athlete tests positive for Sickle Cell Trait, they are to proceed with the recommended precautions of having this trait. Educational information can be found on UAH’s Canvas in the Charging On! student athlete life and leadership program. In addition, educational information can be found at https://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/sickle-cell-trait
The UAH training department will also be a resource for questions. Student athletes should work with their coach and training regarding health and safety precautions pertaining to their sickle cell status.
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