Capillary Blood Sampling and Point-of-Care Testing for CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist® (CSEP-CEP®) Professionals

Purpose

This clarification is provided by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) to support consistent understanding of the CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist® (CSEP-CEP®) scope of practice related to capillary blood sampling and point-of-care blood testing. It is intended to promote safe, consistent, evidence-informed practice and to support compliance with applicable provincial and territorial requirements across Canada.

Background

Across Canada, provincial and territorial legislation may regulate procedures that break the skin (for example, finger-prick sampling, capillary blood collection, or venipuncture) as a restricted, reserved, or controlled activity. Where regulated, these activities may only be performed by authorized regulated health professionals, or by others only when permitted through formal delegation/medical directives and applicable employer policies. As a result, CSEP-CEP professionals do not independently perform capillary blood sampling or point-of-care blood testing (for example, obtaining blood via finger-prick) unless specifically permitted through delegation/medical directives under applicable legislation and workplace governance. This most commonly applies to point-of-care testing such as blood lactate and blood glucose measurements.

Practice Clarification

Some CSEP-CEP® professionals may complete additional education related to phlebotomy or blood collection. While such training may enhance knowledge, it does not, on its own, authorize a CSEP-CEP® to collect blood samples or conduct point-of-care blood testing. Any authorization to perform these activities must come through applicable legislation and, where relevant, formal delegation/medical directives and workplace policies from an appropriately authorized regulated health professional.

If a client independently obtains their own results (for example, self-monitoring blood glucose or lactate using a personal device), the CSEP-CEP® may use client-provided values to inform exercise screening, prescription, monitoring, and program adjustments. The CSEP-CEP®

does not direct or physically assist with the sampling procedure, and should advise clients to consult an appropriate regulated health professional for diagnostic or medical interpretation.

Professional Expectations

CSEP-CEPs are expected to:

• Practice within the CSEP-CEP® scope and comply with applicable provincial/territorial legislation, regulation, and workplace policies
• Refrain from performing capillary blood sampling, venipuncture, or point-of-care blood testing unless formally authorized through appropriate delegation/medical directives and governance (where permitted)
• Use evidence-informed reasoning when applying client-provided results to exercise prescription and monitoring, and recognize limits of non-diagnostic interpretation
• Document relevant client-provided values, decision-making, and any referrals or recommendations to seek medical guidance, consistent with privacy requirements
• Maintain high standards of professional conduct, safety, and ethical practice

This clarification is provided for professional guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Members are responsible for understanding and complying with requirements in their jurisdiction and workplace.