New software aims to strip private data from medical records

NCT ID NCT02795806

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a computer program called NLM Scrubber that automatically removes personal information like names and addresses from health records. Researchers will compare the software's results to manual de-identification using 50,000 existing records. The goal is to improve the tool's accuracy so that patient privacy is protected while keeping useful medical data intact.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

NLM Scrubber software

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to better privacy protection for patient data, allowing researchers to use health records more widely for studies.

What could go wrong

This is a software development study, not a treatment trial. The tool may still make errors, and results may not apply to all types of medical records.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • National Library of Medicine

    Bethesda, Maryland, United States