Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Newborn Screening Results for Sickle Cell Trait

What is the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requirement for student athletes regarding sickle cell trait?

Effective Aug. 1, 2022, all student athletes (prospective student athletes and student athletes) must be tested for sickle cell trait or show proof of a prior test. Student athletes no longer have the option to sign a waiver declining confirmation of sickle cell trait status. For more information about the NCAA requirement, visit the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) website.

Will a copy of my newborn screening results meet the NCAA requirement for college student athletes to have documentation of their sickle cell trait status?

Yes, Ohio newborn screening results will satisfy the NCAA requirement for student athletes to have documentation of their sickle cell status.

NOTE: The Ohio Department of Health Newborn Screening Test identifies infants at risk for certain congenital conditions and is not considered a diagnostic test result. Newborn screening results are insufficient information on which to base diagnosis or treatment. As with any laboratory test, false positive or false negative results are possible.

How can I find out whether I was tested for sickle cell trait at birth?

Newborn screening has been a required blood test for all babies born in Ohio since 1966; however, hemoglobinopathy screening (including sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait) was not included as part of the Ohio newborn screening test until July 1998.  Parents/guardians can refuse newborn screening for their child if the testing violates their religious beliefs, so each year some babies are not screened. Ohio retains a copy of all newborn screening results for 21 years. If an individual was born in Ohio, is under 21 years of age, and the parents did not refuse newborn screening, then a copy of the person’s newborn screening results should be available from the Ohio Department of Health.

NOTE: The student’s name listed on newborn screening results must also reflect the name at the time the blood sample was submitted to the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory.

Will my newborn screening results only include sickle cell trait?

Ohio newborn screening results will include results of all disorders on the newborn screening panel at the time of screening and not limited to sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait results. Depending on the year the screening panel was conducted, these records contain results of numerous screenings, including many of the conditions listed on the Ohio Department of Health Newborn Screening Panel webpage.

When should I request my results?

You should submit your request to the Ohio Newborn Screening Program as soon as you receive information from your college or university about sickle cell trait confirmation. Submitting your request as early as possible is the best way to ensure that your results arrive before you start practice at your school. Please note that parents/guardians cannot request the newborn screening results of their children who are age 18 or older. People age 18 and older must request their newborn screening results themselves.

How do I request my results?

Download a copy of the ODH Form Student Athlete Authorization to Release Newborn Screening Results. Once the form is complete, attach the required documents (forms of identification and/or notary signature) and submit via one of the following options – mail, email, or fax:

Mail:   Ohio Newborn Screening Program
Public Health Laboratory
8995 E. Main St., Bldg. 22
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068

Email: ODHLabs@odh.ohio.gov

Fax: 614-644-4648

I am 18 years old. Can I request my own results?

Newborn screening results fall under Ohio’s personal information law (Ohio Revised Code - Chapter 1347). This law allows individuals the right to request their own personal information stored by a public health agency in Ohio. Students 18 years of age or older can request their newborn screening results based on this law. Include the email address of the requestor for reporting of results. Email addresses will be verified prior to the release of newborn screening results. Please note that parents/guardians cannot request the newborn screening results of their children who are age 18 or older.

Who has the right to request my results if I am under 18 years of age?

If a student is under the age of 18, the custodial parent or legal guardian should request the newborn screening results. If a person requesting the information is someone other than the student, documentation must be submitted establishing the requestor’s legal relationship to the student (e.g., copy of a birth certificate, power of attorney, etc.). Include the email address of the requestor for reporting of results. Email addresses will be verified prior to the release of newborn screening results.

Can my physician of care (healthcare provider) request Ohio newborn screening results?

Newborn screening results can be requested from the Ohio Newborn Screening Program by a student’s physician of care. The physician of care can fax (614-644-4648) a written request for newborn screening results. The request should be written on office letterhead and state that the requestor is the physician of care for the student and provide the following personal information:

  • Student first name and last name
  • Date of birth
  • Hospital of birth
  • Mother’s first and last name at time of student’s birth

The newborn screening results will be faxed to the physician of care. This is the most efficient way to request sickle cell test results.

How long will it take to receive my results?

It can take up to 30 days to process your request. Requests are processed in the order that they are received. Please do not send your request for newborn screening results multiple times. This could delay the process. Newborn screening staff are unable to expedite results due to special circumstances. If you need your results in less time, consider requesting a sickle cell test from your physician of care.

When should I call to check in about my results?

If you have not received your results within 30 days, contact the Newborn Screening Program at 888-634-5227 and select option 1. This mailbox is monitored regularly.

Does the authorization form to request Ohio newborn screening results require a notary signature?

Yes, a notary signature and seal is required. If a notary is unavailable, you may send a photocopy of one of the following to verify the requestor’s identity: (1) the requestor’s unexpired driver’s license or (2) another unexpired government-issued form of identification bearing the requestor’s signature.

I do not have a physician of care or health insurance. How can I get my newborn screening results?

If you do not have a physician of care to request your results or to ask for a sickle cell test, your options to get your results are:

  1. Complete and submit the ODH form Student Athlete Authorization to Release Newborn Screening Results.
  2. Schedule an appointment for free sickle cell testing offered through the American Sickle Cell Anemia Association (ASCAA) located in the Cleveland Clinic – Langston Hughes Community Health and Education Center (2390 E. 79th Street, Cleveland, Ohio). The contact phone number for ASCAA is (216) 229-8600. Please note that scheduling is limited and may not be available.

Can I request that my Ohio newborn screening results be sent directly to the college or university that I will be attending?

The newborn screening results will only be released to the requestor listed on the ODH form Student Athlete Authorization to Release Newborn Screening Results or to the requesting physician of care/medical professional.

Is there a fee to request Ohio newborn screening results?

No, The Ohio Department of Health does not charge a fee to release newborn screening test results.

Where can I get/receive more information about sickle cell trait and the student athlete?

Information about sickle cell trait and the student athlete may be obtained from the following recommended websites: