Anonymization server system for DICOM images

We have developed an anonymization system for DICOM images. It requires consent from the patient to use the DICOM images for research or education. However, providing the DICOM image to the other facilities is not safe because it contains a lot of personal data. Our system is a server that provides anonymization service of DICOM images for users in the facility. The distinctive features of the system are, input interface, flexible anonymization policy, and automatic body part identification. In the first feature, we can use the anonymization service on the existing DICOM workstations. In the second feature, we can select a best policy fitting for the Protection of personal data that is ruled by each medical facility. In the third feature, we can identify the body parts that are included in the input image set, even if the set lacks the body part tag in DICOM header. We installed the system for the first time to a hospital in December 2005. Currently, the system is working in other four facilities. In this paper we describe the system and how it works.

H. Suzuki, M. Amano, M. Kubo, Y. Kawata, N. Niki, and H. Nishitani "Anonymization server system for DICOM images", Proc. SPIE 6516, Medical Imaging 2007: PACS and Imaging Informatics, 65160Z (30 March 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.709947

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