4 Features You Need in a Medical Translation Agency

If you need to translate a drug patent or clinical trial, you know you need help from professional translators. But what you might not know is how to find a professional you can trust to make accurate translations. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you track down the right team for the job.

Variety of Services

A translation service does more than transpose the written word from one language to another. The top translation agencies in the world provide holistic services for all your medical language needs. 

Medical Document Translation 

Patient records, drug patents, lab results, equipment manuals, and clinical trials - these are just some of the many documents you may need to translate. The top agencies will assign an experienced translator who specializes in your unique project to ensure the best results. 

Terminology Creation and Translation

Few medical terms are universal. Most acronyms and procedures need to be converted into your target language. 

A medical translation agency's medical terminology translation process should include creating a glossary of standardized language. This way, your translation will be consistent throughout the document in a way that reflects your organization's and your industry's principles.

Interpretation

You may require interpretation when a patient doesn't understand their doctor, or you may need interpreters for lectures or public safety briefings. An interpreter bridges the language gap between parties, imparting vital information in the appropriate language. 

Medical Transcription

Lastly, medical transcription is necessary when you need to produce a written document of a spoken word appointment, briefing, or dictated notes. 

While many automated processes are available today, outsourcing medical transcription to a human-led team produces the most accurate work. 

Despite what Microsoft engineers have to say, automated transcription still has glitches. An AI faithfully copies any inaccuracies or pronunciation errors, whereas a human can flag these issues before they cause problems.  

Project Management

A dedicated project manager is your first point of contact should you have any questions or concerns. They can easily relay any updates, making sure you stay informed at every step along the way. 

These managers also take on an organizational role at the start of your project. They can help plan and strategize their team's approach to suit your deadlines and regulatory requirements. 

Accreditation

When it comes to finding a reputable medical translation service, certification is one of the first things you should look for. 

Certified medical translation services receive this endorsement from regulatory third parties. Only those companies that consistently meet industry procedures and requirements may earn it. As a result, certification ensures an elevated quality assurance.

Essential accreditation from your translation company should include the following certificates.

• ISO 17100:2015

• ISO 9001:2008

• EN 15038:2006

Validated Services

Accuracy of your translated documents is of the utmost importance - whether you're translating patient records, patent documents, or a hospital brochure. That's why it's crucial you team up with a translation company that provides validated medical documents. 

These official document translation services team up with medical doctors or other appropriately licensed healthcare professionals from the industry that best fits your text. These professionals comb through the final product to ensure it retains the original meaning in a medical context. 

In many cases, this step is a requirement from local regulatory authorities, including the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in the US.

Find These Features in an Agency

Keep this guide in mind when you compare your options. It will help you find an agency that's up to the job.