Quality Assurance for the Life Science Industries

Quality in translation is extremely important, but within the life science industries, incorrect translations can be life-threatening

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At CSOFT, we advise and recommend our customers do a risk analysis of each project before moving to production. We use industry-standard processes, however, we also offer flexibility for each customer to allow for their companies’ success, no matter the process.

Download our latest white paper on translation quality, and learn why you should never assume all language service providers are equal in the services they provide.

CSOFT's proven expertise in high-quality technical translation for the life sciences industry is backed by our ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016 certified quality management system.

CSOFT has created actionable metrics designed specifically for the life sciences to measure translation quality.

These metrics provide our clients with a mechanism to verify translation quality and compliance with established industry standards. To learn more about how to ensure life science quality translations, click here or contact us today!

There is no one true way to ensure translation quality throughout the localization process but there are general “rules of thumb” that can be applied to help you on your way to producing a good quality translation.

Using In-Country Reviewers

The in–country review step is a crucial one in the translation process. Having the translation reviewed by people that speak the target language throughout the process can also help to identify and eradicate these mistakes while the project is still ongoing. This is what CSOFT as a translation vendor is more than happy to provide which will save you time in the long run.

Providing Previous Translations and Style Guides

Often companies have a very specific way of wanting their material to be formatted or certain translations done for particular phrases but they don’t let the translation company know.

This can result in translations being inconsistent in relation to previous translations so that on a website, for example, there might be a differing translation for a term that appears on multiple pages across the site.

Even more common, though, is translation companies misunderstanding the required style in which a company wants the translation to be in. Through simple communication, however, and a company’s style guide being provided prior to the translation, this situation can be avoided, leaving both parties happy.

CSOFT works with companies to leverage previous style guides or will work with your enterprise to create one.

Using Language Service Providers (LSPs) with the Correct Certifications

There are various different certifications that translation companies can obtain in order to ensure that they consistently deliver translation quality. By choosing an LSP that has the correct certifications, you can greatly reduce the risk of ending up with a low-quality translation.

One such certification, the ISO 9001 for example, is the world’s most widely recognized international quality management standard. So, if an LSP is ISO 9001:2015 certified, you can be sure that they will deliver quality to the highest standard. When it comes to translating medical documentation, there are also certifications that relate to each specific field.

So, if you wanted to translate documentation relating to medical devices, for example, you should look out for an LSP that is ISO 13485:2016 certified.

Providing Previous Translations and Style Guides

Translation jobs, by their nature, often take place across multiple time zones and cultures. This can sometimes lead to confusion or issues arising during the translation process.

By assigning one point of contact to the LSP, and communicating regularly with your LSP’s contact that has been assigned to you, you can vastly reduce the chance of problems occurring throughout the process.

It is also important to work towards a long-term relationship with your provider and singular points of contact often result in this. The more familiar the LSP becomes with your style of content, the more consistent and culturally accurate the translations will be.

While these rules for improving translation quality are crucial, choosing the right language service provider to begin with will set you well on your way. Here at CSOFT, we specialize in medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and clinical research translations and are fully ISO certified.