Paediatric Imaging Malta
Child-friendly ultrasound and X-ray reported by a paediatric radiologist.
Specialist imaging for newborns, children, and teenagers in a calm clinical environment.
Select a service below to learn more or book.
At LifeScan Clinic Malta, we understand that medical scans can be intimidating for children. Our dedicated paediatric imaging service in Naxxar is designed to provide a warm, child-friendly, and reassuring environment for infants, children, and teenagers.
Led by registered specialist radiologists with extensive pediatric imaging experience, we utilize advanced digital systems to ensure high-fidelity diagnostic accuracy. Please note that while paediatric ultrasound scans are accepted even without a doctor's referral, paediatric DEXA scans are by specialist referral only.
Paediatric Ultrasound
Gentle Diagnostic Scanning
Child-friendly ultrasound scans of the abdomen, pelvis, neck, joints, and soft tissues, reported in real-time by our specialists.
Includes newborn hip dysplasia checks, infant cranial scans, and developmental screenings in a calm environment.
Paediatric X-Ray & DEXA
Skeletal Growth & Density
Consultant-led bone age growth monitoring, standard low-dose digital X-rays, and Malta's only child-calibrated DEXA bone density scanner.
All X-rays and growth assessments are interpreted and explained on-site by our consultant paediatric radiologist.
Why Choose Our Paediatric Imaging?
Specialist child-calibrated equipment, expert reporting, and a supportive clinic.
Calibrated Paediatric DEXA
Our DEXA system is specifically calibrated to scan children as young as 4, offering unmatched clinical bone density tracking.
Specialist Consultation Included
Bone age scans include a face-to-face consultation with our consultant paediatric radiologist for immediate answers.
Lowest Radiation Dose in Malta
We prioritize your child's safety by utilizing state-of-the-art systems that emit minimal radiation doses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about paediatric bone age checks, DEXA safety, and preparation.
What is a paediatric bone age assessment?
A bone age assessment uses a single low-dose X-ray of the left hand and wrist to evaluate the growth and maturity of your child's bones. At LifeScan, this appointment is unique because it includes a clinical consultation with our consultant paediatric radiologist to review findings directly with you.
Is the DEXA scan safe for children?
Yes, absolutely. Our DEXA scanner is specifically calibrated for paediatric bone density assessments starting as young as 4 years old (performed by specialist referral only). It utilizes the lowest radiation dose in Malta, which is less than a single day of natural background radiation, making it completely safe and gentle.
Do I need a doctor's referral for paediatric scans?
It depends on the scan type. Paediatric ultrasound scans are accepted even without a doctor's referral. However, paediatric DEXA bone density scans are performed by specialist referral only. For bone age assessments, we accept self-referrals, but we always ensure reports can be sent to your pediatrician or GP.
How quickly are paediatric imaging results ready?
The paediatric radiologist reviews the scan in real-time and will explain the findings to you immediately during your appointment. A detailed, formal written report is also emailed to you on the same day.
All Available Paediatric Scans & Services
Select a specific child, infant, or newborn scan below to read about preparation, developmental guidelines, and details.
Neck or Armpit/Breast Ultrasound (Paediatric)
Noninvasive paediatric ultrasound scan of the neck, axilla, or breast tissue to evaluate reactive lymph nodes, swellings, or hormonal tissue changes in children.
Paediatric X-ray (Child)
Low-dose digital radiography for children to evaluate the lungs, bones, or joints, reported by specialist radiologists.
Abdominal & Pelvic Ultrasound (Paediatric)
Noninvasive paediatric ultrasound scan of the abdominal and pelvic cavities to evaluate internal organs, bladder, and kidneys in children.
Abdominal Ultrasound & Bladder Residual (Paediatric)
Focused paediatric ultrasound scan of the kidneys and urinary bladder to evaluate bladder emptying efficiency and calculate residual urine volume.
Testicular/Scrotal Ultrasound (Paediatric)
Noninvasive paediatric ultrasound scan of the scrotum, testicles, and inguinal canal to evaluate undescended testes, hydroceles, or scrotal swelling in boys.
Testicular + Abdominal Ultrasound Combined (Paediatric)
Combined noninvasive paediatric ultrasound scan covering both the abdominal cavity (organs, kidneys) and the scrotum (testicles, inguinal canal).
Joints / Lumps / Hernia (MSK) Ultrasound (Paeds)
Noninvasive paediatric musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound to dynamically evaluate joints, tendons, groin/umbilical hernias, or soft tissue lumps in children.
Orbital ultrasound (Eye Area)
Focused, noninvasive paediatric ultrasound scan of the orbital cavity and surrounding soft tissues, performed over the closed eyelid.
Paediatric Bone-Age X-ray
Skeletal maturity assessment utilizing a low-dose digital X-ray of the left hand and wrist, including a clinical consultation with a radiologist.
Paediatric Bone Density (Age 4 and above)
Specialized paediatric bone mineral density screening using a calibrated DEXA scanner, available for children aged 4 and above by specialist referral.
Newborn Hips Ultrasound Screening
Newborn hip ultrasound screening utilizing the Graf classification method to evaluate hip joint development and rule out developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).
Newborn Spine/Sacral Ultrasound
Noninvasive paediatric ultrasound scan of the lower spinal canal and sacral dimple in infants to evaluate spinal cord positioning and rule out tethered cord.
Brain / Head Ultrasound
Noninvasive cranial ultrasound scan in infants performed through the open anterior fontanelle to evaluate brain structure and ventricular size.
Complete Newborn Ultrasound Anomaly Scan
Comprehensive multi-organ paediatric ultrasound screening package checking infant hips (Graf classification), cranial ventricles, lower spinal canal, and kidneys.