Creating a Custom Lab Report Template

Last updated: July 3, 2025

Canvas allows users to create custom lab report templates that can be used to upload lab reports via data integration. These templates provide standardized formatting for laboratory results and streamline the data entry process.

Configuration & Set Up

Lab report templates require proper configuration of field types and options to ensure accurate data capture. Templates can be activated or inactivated as needed to manage available options for data integration.

Create Custom Lab Report Template

  • Go to Settings

  • Locate and select Lab Report Templates under the Data Integration section

  • Select the ADD LAB REPORT TEMPLATE + button to open the lab report template

  • Complete the lab template fields

    • Name: Name of the lab test (e.g. Complete Blood Count)

    • Code: Numeric code linked to the specific lab test

    • Code System: Coding system used (e.g. LOINC)

    • Search Keywords: Keywords to use during search

    • Active: Checked by default - uncheck to inactivate

    • Custom checkbox: Checked by default. Indicates it was not a lab test added by Canvas

    • Point of Care Test checkbox: Check this box if it will be used in the POC command

    • Charge: Link an associated charge from the fee schedule

  • Complete the Lab Report Template Fields section for the ability to add discrete lab values to lab reports. These values will be visible in Data Integration and will also trend on the lab results in the patients' chart. They can also be tied to the diagnostic theater.

    • Sequence: Order the lab test will display on the template

    • Code: Numeric code linked to specific lab result

    • Label: Name of the lab test (e.g. WBC)

    • Units: Enter appropriate units (e.g. x10E3/uL or g/dL or %)

    • Type: Format for entering lab results.

      • Options omitted from the list below should not be used for template building.

        • Float: Used for numerical / decimal values

          • If other values entered message stating "some values might be missing or incomplete is displayed

        • Select: Drop down selection

        • Text: Free text

        • Checkbox: Checkbox selections

        • Radio: Only one button can be selected

        • Date: Calendar modal

  • Fill in the Lab Report Template Field Options if appropriate

    • LABEL: Option(s) to select when using Select or Radio type (e.g. Detected)

    • KEY: Should be the same as LABEL (e.g. Detected)

  • Click + Add another Lab Report Template Field Option if more options are needed

  • Click + Add another Lab Report Template Field button to add new result fields for the lab template and repeat the steps above as needed

  • Select Save once template is complete

    loinc.org and Labcorp's Test Menu are helpful resources to find LOINC codes for lab test and lab results.

Inactivating a Lab Report Template

  • Go to Settings

  • Locate and select Lab report templates under the Data Integration section

  • Search and select the lab template you wish to inactivate

  • Unselect the Active check box

  • Select Save

FAQ & Troubleshooting

Q: What happens if I enter non-numeric values in a Float field type?

A: A message stating "some values might be missing or incomplete" will be displayed when non-numeric data is entered into Float-type fields.

Q: Which field types should I use when building templates?

A: Only use Float, Select, Text, Checkbox, Radio, and Date field types. Other options in the dropdown should not be used for template building.

Related Resources


Keywords: lab reports, templates, data integration, laboratory, custom fields

Categories: Configuration, Data Integration, Laboratory