DICOM Image Viewer with Header Viewer | Edit & Inspect DICOM Tags

The DICOM Image Viewer with Header Viewer is a powerful browser-based tool designed for PACS administrators, radiologists, and healthcare IT professionals. This tool allows users to upload and view DICOM images directly in their browser and provides the ability to view and edit DICOM header tags securely. Whether you’re troubleshooting imaging workflows, verifying DICOM metadata, or anonymizing sensitive patient data, this tool is here to help.

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How to Use the Dicom Image Viewer

1. Upload a DICOM File:
   • Click the “Choose File” button to upload a .dcm file from your local system. The tool will automatically process the file and display the image on the viewer.
2. View and Manipulate the Image:
   • Use the zoom, pan, and rotate functions to explore the image in detail. These features are particularly helpful for inspecting the quality of the study or verifying specific elements, such as pixel intensity or alignment.
3. Inspect DICOM Header Tags:
   • The tool automatically displays the header tags from the uploaded DICOM file in a table format. This includes critical metadata like patient ID, modality type, image acquisition details, and more.
4. Edit Header Tags:
   • Click on any editable tag in the header table to make changes. This feature is invaluable for correcting metadata errors, reassigning studies, or anonymizing sensitive patient information.
5. Save and Document Changes:
   • After reviewing or editing the DICOM file, users can export a log of changes for documentation purposes. While this tool is client-side only (no data is transmitted or saved externally), keeping a record of edits is helpful for compliance and troubleshooting.

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Applications of the Tool

1. Troubleshooting Imaging Workflow Issues:
   • Inconsistent DICOM tags, such as modality mismatches or incorrect patient IDs, can prevent studies from being associated correctly in the PACS. This tool enables you to review and fix metadata issues, ensuring smooth study retrieval and workflow continuity.
2. Ensuring DICOM Metadata Accuracy:
   • Accurate metadata is critical for patient safety and compliance. The tool allows users to inspect key fields such as study date, referring physician, and institution name to verify accuracy. This is especially helpful when studies are manually imported or migrated from external systems.
3. Anonymizing DICOM Data for Research:
   • For research or teaching purposes, it’s often necessary to anonymize sensitive patient information in DICOM files. With this tool, users can remove or replace identifying details such as patient name, ID, and birthdate while preserving the imaging data.
4. Validating Image Files During Integration:
   • When integrating third-party systems like dictation software or AI-based imaging analysis tools, metadata errors can disrupt functionality. This tool enables you to identify and correct issues, ensuring smooth integration and compatibility.
5. Testing and Training:
   • Whether training new PACS administrators or validating workflow processes, this tool serves as an excellent resource for exploring DICOM files in a secure, client-side environment.

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Why Would You Need to Edit DICOM Tags?

1. Correcting Patient or Study Information:
   Mistakes happen, such as assigning a study to the wrong patient or entering an incorrect modality. Editing DICOM tags ensures that the right data is associated with the right patient.
2. Reassigning Modalities or Studies:
   DICOM tags, such as the Modality (x00080060) and Study Instance UID (x0020000d), determine how studies are categorized in the PACS. If these tags are incorrect, images may not hang properly or display under the correct modality. By editing these tags, you can resolve hanging protocol issues and ensure proper study categorization.
3. Standardizing Metadata:
   Facilities often deal with studies from multiple sources, such as external clinics or mobile imaging units. Standardizing DICOM metadata helps maintain consistency in the PACS and prevents workflow disruptions.
4. Preparing for Data Migration:
   When migrating studies to a new PACS or VNA, metadata inconsistencies can cause major delays. This tool allows you to correct errors before migration, ensuring smooth transitions.
5. Anonymizing Data for Research or Teaching:
   Removing sensitive patient information is a legal requirement when using DICOM files for research or educational purposes. This tool simplifies the process of anonymizing fields like patient name, birthdate, and medical record numbers.

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Why Choose This Tool?

1. Secure and Client-Side Only:
   No data is uploaded to external servers—everything is processed locally in your browser, ensuring patient data privacy and compliance with HIPAA and GDPR.
2. Easy to Use:
   Designed with simplicity in mind, this tool is accessible to anyone, regardless of their technical expertise.
3. Highly Functional:
   From basic image viewing to advanced metadata editing, the tool provides all the essential features needed for troubleshooting and validating DICOM files.
4. Free and Accessible:
   There’s no need for expensive software installations. This browser-based solution is available anytime you need it.

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