Synoptic Pathology Reporting

Synoptic pathology reporting uses an electronic report in discrete data field format. That means each type of information has a specific place and format in the report. Synoptic reports standardize the way data is collected, transmitted, stored, retrieved and shared between clinical information systems.

For a list of specific features that define synoptic reporting format, please visit The College of American Pathologists.

Levels of Standardized Pathology Reporting

In Ontario, since 2004, pathology reporting has evolved from the traditional narrative structure to Level 6 pathology reporting based on the CAP content standard and NAACCR Volume V messaging and format standard. These are outlined in Cancer Care Ontario’s Data Book.

Data Source: CCO ePath
Notes: Ontario hospitals includes 119 acute care facilities – primary and secondary. Primary sites submit cancer pathology reports directly to CCO Ontario Cancer Registry via CCO ePath system. Primary sites may also report cancer pathology for secondary hospitals. Private labs and Paediatric facilities are not included.

College of American Pathologists Cancer Checklist Standards

Ontario has endorsed the College of American Pathologists (CAP) cancer checklists as the content standard for pathology reporting based on these benefits:

• The checklists were derived by the CAP Cancer Committee, with extensive input from leading interdisciplinary disease site experts across North America, using the most currently available research and evidence.
• The checklists comprise evidence-based protocols and lists of criteria.

• The Canadian Association of Pathologists has endorsed the CAP checklists as the pan-Canadian standard for synoptic pathology reporting, as of July 2009.