Translations can already be tricky enough due to the different ways in which languages convey their messages. Grammar and vocabulary vary from language to language and it takes mastery to translate in such a way that a message remains intact. Add to that the use of specialised terminology as required in medical and pharmaceutical translations, and you know that an accurate result can only come through experienced professionals in the field.
How do experts provide top-quality medical and pharmaceutical translations?
1. Qualified native translators
It’s a well-known fact that native speakers of the target language possess a more versatile command of the language than non-native speakers. They know the terms to use which may be entirely different from those expressed in the original language. Add to that the qualifications required by the ISO 17100, such as degrees in translations or equivalent years of experience, and only then can you be reassured of a top-quality translation.
2. Knowledge of specialised terminology
Enter the big world of life sciences and welcome to a vast ocean of specialised technical terminology. Medical jargon consists of specialised words or terms pertaining to the profession that are difficult for ‘ordinary people’ to understand. In fact, even an excellent translator may have no knowledge of such terms at all. It is therefore essential to seek the expertise of professionals who are more than familiar with the terms used in the domain of medicine and pharma.
3. Use of standard terms and consistency
Medical and pharmaceutical translation experts will not only know the specific words and terms related to the cardiovascular, neurological, orthopaedic and dental fields, for example, but will also use rich termbases and glossaries for consistency and top-notch quality. They will also have experience with the typical wording used in different kinds of documents such as SmPCs (summary of product characteristics), PILs (patient information leaflets), IFUs (instructions for use), labelling and medical device manuals and the typical terms that are suitable for the different target users.
4. Professional know-how
Being well-versed in the guidelines and knowing where to look are important qualities of a professional medical and pharmaceutical translator. This ultra-specific translations niche demands being well-acquainted with specialised dictionaries, official templates, guidelines and other references. This includes the QRD templates for SmPCs, PILs and other regulatory documents, as well as MedDRA and EDQM terminology, Orphan Medicinal Products designations, Excipients Guides, Appendices, Annexes and other style guides established by the EMA (European Medicines Agency).
5. Access to professional guidance
Familiarity with templates and guidelines, and knowledge of medical terminology are essential, no doubt. Yet, a real expert will be humble enough to resort to the advice of physicians and medical consultants when faced with highly technical and specialised material. Having access to a pool of medical professionals, who can offer further clarification and guidance to ensure the correctness of a translation, places a medical and pharmaceutical translations company a notch above the rest.
6. Experience in the process
An expert medical translations company will not only have expertise in doing the actual translations but also in the business of providing language services. Having little to no experience will make it more difficult to know when to take into account template text and secondary reference documents such as the excipients guide. It is also experience that enables perfect effort and budget estimations based on hundreds of similar translations. Such experience allows a company that has a high level of expertise in medical translations to manage the expectations of a Language Services Provider. In turn, this will allow Language Services Providers to provide a better service for their own end-clients. Having years of experience in the rigorous processes involved in medical translations also translates into the ability to deal with feedback from the local Medicines Authority in the most efficient way.
7. Precision and reliability
It is easy to understand the importance of precision and reliability when it comes to medical translations. Medical and pharmaceutical texts are not only some of the hardest texts to translate. A simple mistake, like an omission or addition of a number, could result in the administration of a wrong dosage or other effects that could prove lethal. Medicine product descriptions, dosage instructions and surgical equipment manuals require meticulous precision. In addition, the same scrupulous attention must be given to submission deadlines, as they are often non-negotiable with potentially high financial repercussions.
8. Top quality assurance
In a few words, it is essential to work with medical and pharmaceutical translation experts who are serious about providing top-quality services you can trust. When carelessness in any part of the process may have serious consequences, expert translators will not only apply their valuable resources and experience, but will further ensure quality by the use of multiple professional reviews, automatic QA tools, medical professional expert assistance and frequent quality spot checks.
Pristineworks: your expert in Maltese medical and pharmaceutical translations
Medical translations in any of the EU official languages demand such expertise as has been outlined. Ticking all the boxes, Pristineworks is a definitive expert in the field of Maltese medical translations and the global leader in Maltese pharmaceutical translations overseen by the EMA (European Medicines Agency). Indeed, Pristineworks is fast establishing a worldwide authority in handling official Maltese translations, from and into this little known EU language. Now you know why Pristineworks has garnered a reputation as an expert in medical and pharmaceutical translations and why you can trust us to provide top-quality Maltese translation services.
