Digital X-ray imaging helps assess bones, joints, the chest and other areas of the body. Most X-rays take around 5–15 minutes, and our prices are published on this page.
X-ray imaging uses a controlled amount of radiation that passes through the body to create images of internal structures. Dense structures such as bone absorb more X-rays and appear lighter, while other tissues appear in different shades.
X-rays are commonly requested when a clinician needs a clear image of bones or certain internal structures.
An X-ray may answer the clinical question directly or may be one part of a wider investigation. Depending on the findings and symptoms, further imaging or specialist assessment may be recommended.
St Mary's Clinic uses the Riviera LP Plus U-Arm digital X-ray system in our Mosta radiology department. The system supports diagnostic radiography across a range of examinations.
The exact examination depends on the body area being imaged. Most standard X-rays are straightforward and require no recovery period afterwards.
The radiographer confirms the requested X-ray and may ask relevant safety questions before positioning you for the examination.
You may be asked to stand, sit or lie in a particular position and remain still briefly while each image is taken.
Standard X-rays do not usually require aftercare. Any next steps depend on the findings and the clinician who requested the imaging.
Radiographer
Mr Malcolm Mallia is a radiographer within the St Mary's Clinic radiology department and supports diagnostic X-ray examinations at our Mosta clinic.
At St Mary's Clinic a chest X-ray is €70. An X-ray of the elbow, foot, hand, head, hip, knee, sinus or pelvis is €69, as is a one-part cervical or lumbar spine X-ray, and a thoracic spine X-ray is €80. Prices for our other X-ray examinations are listed in the price section on this page.
An X-ray shows dense structures such as bone most clearly, which is why it is commonly used for suspected fractures, joints, the spine and the pelvis. A chest X-ray shows the lungs and the outline of the heart. Soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments and nerves do not show clearly on a standard X-ray, so a different type of imaging may be recommended for those.
An X-ray usually takes around 5–15 minutes, depending on the body area and the number of images required.
The image itself is painless. You may experience temporary discomfort if an injured or painful area needs to be held in a particular position.
X-rays use ionising radiation, and the dose from a standard X-ray is generally low. An X-ray is carried out only when it is clinically appropriate, and only the images needed to answer the clinical question are taken. If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell the radiographer before the examination.
Many standard X-rays require no special preparation. Some specific examinations may have different instructions, so follow any guidance given when booking. You may be asked to remove jewellery or clothing with metal fasteners from the area being imaged, as metal shows up on the image.
Tell the radiographer about anything relevant to the examination, particularly if there is a possibility of pregnancy or if you have been given specific instructions by your clinician.
That depends on the reason for the X-ray and the findings. In some cases, further X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI or specialist review may be recommended.
St Mary's Medical Clinic · 9/11 Triq il-Barrieri, Mosta MST 3250, Malta · Mon–Fri 8:00am–6:00pm · Sat 8:00am–1:00pm