Pseudonymization

Pseudonymization is a procedure by which all person-related data within a data record is replaced by one artificial identifier (like a hash value) that maps one-to-one to the person. The artificial pseudonym always allows tracking back of data to its origins which is the difference with anonymized data, where all person-related data that could allow backtracking has been purged. Pseudonymization is an issue in patient-related data that has to be passed on securely between clinical centers.