The NCAA requires its athletes to undergo a sickle cell test.
Sickle cell anemia is not a disease, but an inherited disorder of the red blood cells.
While sickle cell anemia is not a barrier to competitive sports, athletes with sickle cell anemia have experienced significant physical problems in the past. Heat, dehydration, inadequate acclimatization, altitude and asthma can all increase the risk of medical complications in athletes with sickle cell anemia.
For this reason, the NCAA requires college athletes to be tested for SCT. Please discuss with your doctor that you need a sickle cell test.
If you do NOT have the opportunity to have this test done here, please contact your college coach and inquire about opportunities to be tested on campus in the US.