Australian specialist asks for an English CT or MRI report: what should you prepare for translation?

First, establish whether the specialist wants the written report in English, the scan images, or both. A radiologist interprets the images and writes a report; translating that report does not replace the images. InsideRadiology explains the relationship for CT, and healthdirect explains it for MRI.

Which CT or MRI reports need translation?

When an Australian specialist requests an English version of a CT or MRI report from Taiwan, use every page of the report for the scan they specified and include any existing English; this does not mean sending every medical record from previous years. If the receiving clinic has expressly confirmed that an existing complete English report meets this request, use that version without another translation. English headings or terms alone are not a complete English report.

The full report may include a cover page, examination details, findings, a conclusion and attachments. If there were several scans, use the reports the specialist requested. Keep any cover or attachments in the original page order; do not send only the conclusion or assemble a new report. Check with the clinic if it is unclear which report it wants. When enquiring, share the complete Chinese source and any English supplied with it so the translation scope can be assessed.

For a CT or MRI report from Taiwan, a clear, complete PDF, scan or set of phone photos is enough to start a quote enquiry. Each photographed page should be readable and uncropped; the translator can check whether the files are suitable for translation after receiving them. You do not need to post the paper original or obtain a separate written statement from the specialist just to enquire.

What details should you check on the report before enquiring?

For a Taiwanese Chinese CT or MRI report, check that the patient’s name, scan and report dates, body area, figures, units and page numbers are legible. Supply clearer copies for blurry or missing pages; the translator handles medical terminology from the source. If the name differs from the spelling used for the Australian appointment, tell the translator and receiving clinic about both spellings while keeping the original report unchanged. Preserve any contrast agent name, dosage or other measurement with its original numbers, units and context.

Does a request for English mean the specialist requires a NAATI translation?

An Australian specialist’s request for an English version of a Taiwanese CT or MRI report does not itself establish a NAATI requirement. Attach a clinic email, referral note or stated certification and format conditions if you have them. A verbal request is enough to enquire: state the report name, English as the target language and the appointment date if known. Check with the clinic only if a stated certification or format condition is unclear, or if you do not know which report it requested.

How do you confirm the price, timing and deliverable?

ABC Translation Australia provides a free, no-obligation written quote for Chinese-to-English translation of a Taiwanese CT or MRI report based on its length, format and deadline. If you have a preferred delivery date or a booked specialist appointment, include it when enquiring. Before translation starts, confirm the price and delivery date, and whether it fits any booked appointment. Our NAATI-certified translators can provide a stamped PDF; keep the Chinese report available for the specialist as well.

How should you bring the images and English report to the appointment?

If the Australian specialist also wants the Taiwanese CT or MRI images, prepare readable image files or a disc separately from the Chinese report and English translation, following that clinic’s instructions. healthdirect’s appointment advice lists test results, scans and medical reports; the particular clinic decides how to receive them. Translation conveys the report’s words, while the treating doctor explains the findings. InsideRadiology also advises discussing CT results with the referring doctor.

For service details in Traditional Chinese, see our Taiwan medical document translation service (Traditional Chinese).

By Fiona He
Owner and Content Lead, ABC Translation Australia

Updated: 10 November 2026