Sickle Cell & Sports: After 10 Years of Testing All College Athletes for Sickle Cell Trait, What Have We Learned?

Mini-lesson

Description

All athletes playing on college sports teams governed by the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) are required to confirm their Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) status by taking a blood test or by providing prior test results. This mini-lesson explores the history, successes, and limitations of this mandatory SCT screening program, which was put in place to allow student-athletes with SCT to safely participate in sports.

Last updated November 2025.

Activities

Student worksheet.

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Lesson Plan