Navigating Lab Results: 4 Key Details For Translating Lab Results from French to English

In the realm of medical science, accurate communication is paramount, especially when it comes to translating lab results. While core principles are universal, the terminology and abbreviations in two different languages vary, and French and English are no exception. An oversight in these translations could result in confusion or, more critically, a misdiagnosis. Therefore, translators must possess not only linguistic proficiency but also a deep understanding of medical terminology in both languages.
 
​Below, I will discuss 4 details that translators must watch out for when translating these documents. When I first started translating 8 years ago, I’m sure I missed some of these. However, experience has taught me to review these details every time I get a new project with lab results. If you'd like to know more about my services, please visit my Services Menu.

​1. Watch out for UI. UI in French means unité internationale and translates literally to international unit (see https://vitrinelinguistique.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/fiche-gdt/fiche/26518512/unites-internationales). However, it’s easy to overlook these two letters as they’re usually found in the column with other unit abbreviations that do not require translation, like liters (L) and grams (g). It is also sometimes written as mUI and must be translated as mIU (milli-international unit, or one-thousandth of an international unit).

2. Do NOT include the translation of polynucléaire in instances where it is followed by neutrophile, basophile, éosinophile. In English, this words translates as polymorphonuclear and is not usually included in lab test results. Each term is simply translated as neutrophils, basophils, or eosinophils. Without going into detail, the idea is that polymorphonuclear is an adjective describing the nucleus (multi-lobed - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563148/). That information is not necessary in this type of document.

​3. Do NOT convert units of measurement, for example kg to lbs, milliliters to ounces, unless the client asks you to do this. Leaving the results in the original units produces an accurate translation. If the person reading the document needs to know the patient’s weight in pounds, for example, they can do the conversion themselves.

​4. Convert commas to decimals. This detail is the most obvious one, as most translators and bilinguals are aware of it, but it’s worth emphasizing. In French, decimals are written with a comma and thousands with a space or period, whereas in English, it’s the opposite. Thus, it is crucial that numbers in the test results be re-written in the target document OR that a note is included stating something along these lines, “spaces represent commas and commas represent decimal points.” Discuss the best option with your client. Lastly, don’t forget to do this for the common measurement “mL/min/1,73 m2.”

​As you can tell, translating lab results from French to English may appear easy on the surface but is, in reality, a delicate process that requires a keen eye for detail. Healthcare professionals, researchers, and translators alike must collaborate seamlessly to ensure that the precision of the original data is retained. By prioritizing accuracy in units and terminology, translators uphold the integrity of medical information, fostering effective communication and ultimately contributing to improved patient care on a global scale.