6 Key steps to follow for medical device translation

A specialized and complex field as medicine requires a deep understanding of the terminology that medical text contains. There are regulatory requirements for medical devices as well. The translators are expected to convey the technical information in a clear and accurate manner so that target audiences can understand it.

Medical device translation has become an integral part of the medical translation. The devices are manufactured and prepared by going through a long hectic process. The businesses have their investments and spend hefty amounts to produce medical equipment. There is no use for all this effort and investment without translation. Hence, the translation of medical devices is as important as its manufacturing and assembling. As people can only use and operate these machines when they understand the process and the content of safety manuals and kits in their native language. It is also imperative that these machines and medical equipment are safe to use. Moreover, it also makes people understand regulatory requirements in their relevant countries.

The advancement of technology has changed the way people look at medical devices now. Medical language translation services have become vital for the hospital and healthcare centers too. With a competent and growing global market of medical equipment the need for translation has increased more than ever. The industry had a value of $483 billion a few years ago and there is no looking back for it. It is only going to rise to $688.6 billion by the year 2027. The ever-expanding medical device market asks for medical device translation as well.

There are several key steps that the experts advise to follow for the translation to ensure the accuracy and quality of the translated content.

Project assessment

First of all, you need to assess the project. It helps to understand the potential of the business in the market, its scope, requirements, and the marketing norms of your target audience. You can sit with your translation agency as well as with the most experienced translators to assess your content and have an idea about the potential challenges coming the way of the translation process.

Terminology management

Medical device language translation is big time relying on terminology management.  The medical company and the translation vendor should always collaborate for managing the industry jargon and complicated terminology. There are regulatory terms, technical and medical phrases that require translation. A lot of these don’t have an exact meaning and translation in the target language. Establishing a clear and consistent terminology database is crucial to ensure accuracy and consistency across translations. This includes using approved terminology, and glossaries, and maintaining consistency with existing translations or reference materials.

Examining the source material 

Analyzing the source material is a primary step that is often overlooked. For the best medical translation services scanning the source material is a must. Translators should have this practice of scanning the source text before starting the work. Analyzing the original content thoroughly can make the translation work better and saves you from many hassles that may come up in the process later. The translators should also check the context and the purpose of the translation. This step is crucial to maintain the quality and save time and money. There are fewer challenges and the risk of potential cultural and linguistic mistakes also gets mitigated.

Translation of the content

The translator renders the source material into the target language, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency. They should also have a profound understanding of the given language pair as well as they should also be subject matter experts as every type of medical text including veterinary translation demands translators who have an insight into the medical and technical terminology. The process of conversion of the text from one language to another in the medical context requires content that suits the cultural and linguistic nuances of the intended market.

Review and editing

This is another primary step that contributes to the quality of the medical device translation. Have you ever wondered what is medical device translation with all its context, background, and foreground? There are many conventional terms that we read quite frequently and after reading move on without pondering. These all terms have their significance and are used for a reason. Translation can not be considered complete without reviewing and editing. It beautifies the translated content, makes it engaging, maintains the flow, and reserves the original intent. Moreover, handing it over to a second linguist and editor for reviewing and proofreading is also an important step. They play a vital role in bringing consistency and adherence to industry standards. This step also helps with the errors, omissions, and other mistakes that need to be rectified and fixed.

Quality assurance

Medical device translation requires quality assurance as well. The machines and medical equipment are made and manufactured to facilitate the patients and to make their lives easier. Hence, the quality can not be promised. The translated content should be tested and checked under a rigorous quality assurance process to ensure they meet the highest standards. Proofreading, formatting checks, and verification of numerical values, symbols, and units of measurement are the main components of this process. These require a double-check for every type of translation service. Veterinary translation services are a relatively new type of medical translation and quality assurance is even vital for this subdomain, considering the subjects are animals who deserve extra care and compassion.  

Conclusion

The medical device translation is a hectic and draining process. Medical companies as well as translation agencies should always start with brainstorming sessions where they can decide about the new effective techniques and methods to improve translation quality. The main key steps of medical device translation include project assessment, terminology management, analysis of original files, translation of the content, review, editing, and quality assurance