Sickle Cell Trait Policy - Westminster College

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Sickle Cell Trait Educational InformationWhat is Sickle Cell Trait?• Sickle cell trait is an inherited condition of the oxygen-carrying protein, hemoglobin, in the redblood cells.• Although sickle cell trait is most predominant in African-Americans and those ofMediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, Caribbean, and South/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 ofoxygen) in the muscles may cause sickling of red blood cells. The red blood cells changefrom the normal disc shape to a crescent or “sickle” shape. These cells can then accumulatein the bloodstream and block the blood vessels, leading to collapse from the rapidbreakdown of muscles starved of blood.• This is more likely to occur with timed runs, intense exertion of any type for 2-3 continuousminutes without a rest period, intense drills and other spurts of exercise after prolongedconditioning exercises, and other extreme conditioning sessions.• Common signs and symptoms of a sickle cell emergency include: increased pain and weaknessin the working muscles (especially the legs, buttocks, lower back); cramping type musclepain; soft, flaccid muscle tone; and/or sudden onset of symptoms without early warningsigns.For athletes positive for the sickle cell trait, the following reasonable precautions will be taken inorder to appropriately manage the condition:• The athlete will slowly build up the intensity and duration of their training. This will alsoinclude longer periods for rest and recovery.• The athlete will participate in pre-season conditioning programs in order to prepare for therigors of the competitive season.• The athlete may have modified performance tests, such as mile runs, serial sprints, etc.• The athlete will stop all activity and seek medical evaluation with the onset of symptoms,such as muscle cramping, pain, swelling, weakness, tenderness, undue fatigue, orshortness of breath.• The athlete will be given the opportunity to set their own pace during conditioning drills.• The athlete’s participation may be altered during periods of heat stress, dehydration, asthma,illness, or activity in high altitudes.
Sickle Cell Trait Waiver FormAbout Sickle Cell Trait:• Sickle cell trait is an inherited condition of the oxygen-carrying protein, hemoglobin, in the red blood cells.• Sickle cell trait is a common condition (over 3 million Americans.)• Although sickle cell trait is most predominant in African-Americans and those of Mediterranean, MiddleEastern, Indian, Caribbean, and South/Central American ancestry, persons of all races and ancestry maytest positive for sickle cell trait.• Sickle cell trait is usually benign, but during intense, sustained exercise, hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in themuscles may cause sickling of red blood cells. The cells change from their normal disc shape to a crescentor “sickle” shape. They can then accumulate in the bloodstream and block blood vessels, leading tocollapse from the breakdown of muscles starved of blood.Sickle Cell Trait Testing:• WESTMINSTER COLLEGE recommends that all athletes have knowledge of their sickle cell trait status. Allathletes are required to show proof of prior sickle cell testing, be tested for sickle cell trait, or sign awaiver before participating in any athletic events, including conditioning, try-outs, camps, practices, orcompetitions.Sickle Cell Trait Testing WaiverI, _________________________________, understand and acknowledge that WESTMINSTER COLLEGErecommends that all athletes have knowledge of their sickle cell status. Additionally, I have read andfully understand the aforementioned facts and the College policy about sickle cell trait and sickle celltrait testing.I hereby affirm that I have fully disclosed in writing any prior medical history and/or knowledge of sicklecell trait status to Westminster College’s Athletic Department and Health Service personnel.I do not wish to undergo sickle cell trait testing and I voluntarily agree to release, discharge, indemnify,and hold harmless the College, its officers, employees, agents, and their successors and assigns from anyand all costs, claims, damages or expenses, including attorneys fees, arising from any loss or personalinjury that might result from my refusal to be tested.I have read and signed this document with full knowledge of its significance. I further state that I am atleast 18 years of age and competent to sign this waiver.___________________________ ___________________________ _____________Athlete’s Signature Athlete’s Print Name Date___________________________ ___________________________ _____________Parent/Guardian’s Signature Parent/Guardian’s Print Name Date(if under 18 years of age)____________________________ ______________Witness Signature DateWESTMINSTER COLLEGE
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Sickle Cell Trait Policy - Westminster College

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