Medical Translation: 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid

Protect your patients and your reputation by avoiding these common medical translation errors.

Top 5 Mistakes in Medical Document Translation (And How to Avoid Them)

Published: May 23, 2025

When it comes to translating medical documents from Spanish to English, precision is more than a best practice — it's a life-saving requirement. Even minor mistakes can lead to misdiagnosis, regulatory issues, or legal consequences.

1. Using Non-Specialized Translators

General translators may miss medical terminology or misinterpret context. Always use a professional with healthcare experience.

2. Failing to Follow Regulatory Guidelines

Medical translations often require HIPAA, GDPR, or FDA compliance. A certified translator understands how to maintain legal integrity.

3. Literal Translations of Clinical Terms

Translating word-for-word can be dangerous in medical content. Phrases must be adapted with full contextual understanding.

4. Missing Localization Differences

Medical Spanish varies by country. A Mexican prescription term may differ from one used in Spain. Precision matters.

5. Lack of Review or Quality Assurance

Skipping the review process can let errors slip through. Certified providers follow a strict QA process to prevent this.

Need Professional Medical Translation?

Equinox offers certified, HIPAA-compliant medical translations from Spanish to English and vice versa — handled by subject-matter experts.

Avoid costly mistakes in your healthcare documentation. Explore our medical translation services or reach out for a certified translator today.