In the medical industry there are many reasons why medical translation services are required and they have to be accurate or there can be dangerous complications.

This need for accurate translation can vary from simple instructions for using medicines, drugs or other pharmaceuticals, to instructions for using medical devices and instruments, textbooks on diagnosis and treatment, software that is specifically designed to operate surgical equipment and instructions for clinical trials.

The potential for injuries, illness or even a fatality if information is translated incorrectly can lead to tragedy for some and loss of business and even expensive medical malpractice or personal injury lawsuits.

It is not just a matter of translating text accurately, but there must be no typographical errors either. Accurate proofreading is as essential as the initial translation. An extra zero in a number, a decimal point in the wrong place or misquoted units can cause untold harm if a particular drug is administered, for instance.

The conclusion from this sober analysis is that all types of medical translations, including medical document translations, must be completed with the utmost professionalism, preferably by translators who understand medical terminology and practice in both English and the target language.

The standards of translation have to be high at all stages of the translation process – from the translators themselves, though to editors and proof readers.

In most circumstances, the international medical industry is thoroughly regulated. Any drug or pharmaceutical, for instance, cannot be made available in most countries unless instructions for use are translated into the national language or languages used in that country. The same normally applies to technical equipment which is made available for medical use.

If you are a supplier of any sort of medical goods or equipment and are planning on marketing or selling these items overseas then you will need to select an appropriate medical translation services to make your products not just acceptable, but safe as well, for use in the countries you intend exporting to.