What DICOM anonymization is and when you need it
Renaming files on the desktop does not remove your name from a DICOM study. Identifiers live in the header of each object. This article explains the idea in plain language. For click-by-click anonymization, use the workflow your second-opinion site or teaching hospital publishes, or review <a href="/pricing" class="sv-learn-inline-link">OpenMyScan Pro</a> if you are preparing to share from your own computer.
What is embedded in a DICOM study
Each slice file can carry your legal name, medical record number, accession number, institution, study date, and more. A folder of hundreds of small files is still one patient study; changing one filename does not scrub the rest.
When anonymization (or a pseudonym) is appropriate
Some workflows need your full identity. Others—public case discussions, de-identified teaching sets, or certain remote intake forms—ask for tags to be removed or replaced. The wrong level of redaction can get a package rejected, so the destination's checklist wins over generic internet advice.
Where the actual "how to" should come from
Because requirements differ, this guide does not replace a vendor or hospital workflow. If you are uploading to a service, use their published steps as the source of truth. Pro is one option for patients working locally; the product screen lists the metadata features available in your build.
Common problems people hit
- I renamed the files but the portal still shows my name
- The tags inside the files did not change — you need a DICOM-aware tool or the clinic's uploader, not a batch rename.
- The service rejected my "clean" ZIP
- They may require specific UID or date handling; read their error message and support FAQ literally.
- I am not sure if I need anonymization at all
- Ask the recipient. A named doctor on your care team usually wants the original identifiers; anonymous submissions are for defined programs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just rename the files?
No. Metadata lives inside each DICOM object.
Will the scan still be diagnostic afterwards?
Pixels stay the same; only text tags change, assuming you follow a safe preset.
Do my files upload anywhere?
No. OpenMyScan runs entirely in your browser; your scan never leaves your device. You can disconnect from the internet after the page loads and the viewer still works.
What's the difference between DICOM and DICOMDIR?
DICOMDIR indexes slices; anonymize it alongside the slice files so nothing leaks.