Cryoglobulin Challenge

​Recherche de cryoglobulines cryoprécipités
 
I was presented with the challenge of translating the above, seemingly simple, phrase. This was the name of a laboratory test, listed with other common blood tests: hematocrit, neutrophils, various antibodies, etc.

The challenge in translating the above phrase lies in the parts of speech used. Cryoprécipité is used as an adjective modifying cryoglobuline, a noun. However, cryoprécipité is almost always a noun in English (cryopreciptitate).

To solve this challenge, I had to understand each word individually, then understand how they fit together.

- Cryoprecipitate: In this explanation from the Red Cross, we learn that cryoprecipitate is a part of the blood, the plasma specifically. It is rich in blood clotting proteins and can be transfused to patients in need of those factors.
 
- Cryoglobulins: These are circulating proteins in the blood. According to this reputable site that I reference often,  “they may be present in small quantities in the blood of some healthy people but are most frequently associated with abnormal protein production and a variety of diseases and conditions.” This explains why a laboratory would test for them!!!

​So, how does one translate this challenging noun + adjective combination?
 
Well, I also had to do a little more research to learn how the two words are related.
 
“Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins that precipitate when cooled and dissolve when heated. Because these proteins precipitate when cooled, patients may experience symptoms when exposed to the cold. Cryoglobulins may be associated with a variety of diseases…” (Mayo Clinic Labs) In other words, cryoglobulins are found in the blood when it is chilled. In addition, cryoprecipitate is made from FFP (fresh frozen plasma). So, it appears that the lab tests for cryoglobulins IN cryoprecipitate.
 
So, my translation could be “test for cryoglobulins in cryoprecipitate.” This uses two nouns and expands the source phrase, but it certainly explains what the test is for and how it is done, which are the two factors conveyed by the French phrase, and therefore must be included in the translation.
 
Ta-da! 
Translation problem solved!