DICOM metadata de-identification is the removal of patient tags from the file header (DICOM PS3.15). anonym.plus does this on your own device. The pixels stay intact, but the header no longer names the patient.
When this applies
You plan to share studies for research or a vendor demo. The header still holds the name, birth date, and an ID. Those must go first.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Open the file in anonym.plus on your own computer.
- The app lists header tags that hold patient data.
- It flags name, birth date, ID, and station fields.
- You check each flag and keep any needed study tag.
- Swap each value for a safe token, or clear it.
- Save the clean copy. The first version stays with you.
What you need to provide
- The imaging file (DICOM, or an exported PDF or scan).
- An operator: Replace (swap), Redact (remove), or Mask (partial).
- Optional: a name map if you need to re-link studies later.
PHI entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | Lena Brandt → [PATIENT_1] |
| Dates | DATE_TIME | DOB 14/06/1979 → [DATE] |
| Record IDs | MEDICAL_RECORD_NUMBER | MRN 712044 → [MRN] |
| Identifiers | ID | Accession A-90218 → [ACCESSION] |
| Site | ORGANIZATION | Meadowbrook Imaging → [SITE] |
| Contact | PHONE_NUMBER | +1 415 555 0182 → [PHONE] |
Compliance achieved
- Clears header tags named in the DICOM PS3.15 confidentiality profile.
- Runs offline, so the tool itself needs no BAA.
- Working files are kept safe with AES-256-GCM.
- Handles GDPR Art. 9 health data for EU patients too.
Anonymize DICOM studies offline — see plans & start free →
Limitations & cautions
PS3.15 lists many tags. Some private tags vary by vendor. Check the result for any odd field the profile did not name. Burned-in text on the pixels is a separate task handled by local OCR.
Frequently asked questions
What is the DICOM PS3.15 de-identification profile?
It is the part of the DICOM standard that lists which header tags hold patient data and how to clear them. anonym.plus targets those tags so the file meets the basic profile.
Does clearing the header change the pixels?
No. The pixel data stays as it is. Only the header fields change. Text printed onto the pixels needs the burned-in annotation task instead.
Can I keep a link back to the patient?
Yes. Use a name map. It stores the swap on your device only, so your team can re-link later. Drop the map and the link is gone for good.