Genetic result de-identification is the removal of patient data from the file. Genetic data is special-category data under GDPR Art. 9. anonym.plus runs it on your device, so the variant findings stay but no person is named.
When this applies
A variant case suits a research cohort. The findings can stay, yet the name, the kindred ID, and the dates have to be hidden first.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Open the file (PDF, DOCX, or scan) on your computer.
- Local OCR reads scanned pages so printed text is found.
- The tool flags names, dates, IDs, and kindred labels.
- Check each flag and keep the gene and variant terms.
- Swap each ID for a token, or remove it.
- Save the clean copy. The source stays with you.
What you need to provide
- The file (PDF, DOCX, TXT, or image scan).
- An operator: Replace (swap), Redact (remove), or Mask (partial).
- Optional: a name map for family-linked cases.
PHI entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | Ingrid Falk → [PATIENT_1] |
| Dates | DATE_TIME | Reported 04/08/2026 → [DATE] |
| Record IDs | MEDICAL_RECORD_NUMBER | MRN 845016 → [MRN] |
| Kindred | ID | Family F-2210 → [KINDRED] |
| Identifiers | NATIONAL_ID | ID 990114-2387 → [ID] |
| Contact | EMAIL_ADDRESS | i.falk@mail.test → [EMAIL] |
Compliance achieved
- Handles GDPR Art. 9 special-category genetic data.
- Once stripped, the file can fall outside GDPR scope under Recital 26.
- Runs offline, so the tool itself needs no BAA.
- Working files are kept safe with AES-256-GCM.
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Limitations & cautions
Genetic data can identify a person and even relatives. Removing names may not be enough on its own. Treat the variant set with care, and seek expert review for research release.
Frequently asked questions
Why is genetic data treated as special-category?
GDPR Art. 9 lists genetic data as a sensitive class. It can reveal traits and link relatives, so it gets extra protection beyond a normal field.
Does removing names make the data anonymous?
Not always. Genetic markers can still single out a person. Name removal helps, but a research release may need expert review of re-identification risk.
Will gene and variant names stay readable?
Yes. Clinical terms are left alone. Only the patient and family details change, so the variant findings read as written.