National implementation of LOINC: translation methodology and experience from the Polish laboratory terminology standardization project

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to present the results of translating the LOINC standard into Polish, summarize key methodological lessons, and outline the current stage of LOINC implementation in Poland. METHODS: Three editions of the LOINC dictionary translation process were conducted using a part-based translation strategy. In the first two editions, MS Excel spreadsheets were used to translate the parts provided by the Regenstrief Institute. In the third edition, a dedicated software module developed by the project team was implemented to support and standardize the translation workflow. RESULTS: The direct outcome of the translation process was the creation of a database containing Polish translations of the LOINC components. The first stage included about 2,700 concepts, the second added 12,300 parts, and the third expanded the database by nearly 10,500 parts. Additionally, a standardized translation algorithm and a dedicated translation-support module were developed to improve process efficiency and consistency. CONCLUSIONS: Ensuring high-quality translation and an efficient workflow is primarily dependent on having an interdisciplinary team, defining translation conventions, and developing a tool to support the process prior to the start of the work. The translation process must be strictly organized with clearly defined roles assigned to team members. It is recommended to establish an administrative structure responsible for the continuous maintenance of the LOINC standard. Due to significant differences between language variants, each team undertaking the translation process must additionally establish its own rules and conventions that account for the structure of the target language.