Banaccskullxr
A cephalometric radiographic analysis that measures the facial axis angle to evaluate facial growth pattern and jaw development.
{"Facial axis measurement is a key cephalometric analysis used in orthodontics and oral surgery","It helps assess whether facial growth is horizontal, vertical, or balanced","The test uses a lateral skull X-ray (cephalogram) to measure bone relationships","Results guide treatment planning for braces, jaw surgery, and facial asymmetry correction","No blood sample or fasting is required for this imaging test"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 60626-9
- Short code
- FACAXSK
- Synonyms
- BaNa-CC Skull XR
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Not applicable; radiographic imaging study
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 15
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–99 years
- Method
- xr-measured
- CPT
- 70260
- SNOMED
- 168537006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The facial axis measurement is a cephalometric analysis performed on a lateral skull X-ray (cephalogram). It measures the angle between the cranial base and the facial plane to determine the growth pattern of your face. This measurement helps dentists and oral surgeons understand how your upper and lower jaws have developed and predict future facial growth.
How is the test performed?
You will be positioned next to a specialized X-ray machine called a cephalostat, which holds your head in a precise position. The technician will take a side-view X-ray of your skull. The resulting image is then analyzed using specialized software to measure the facial axis angle between specific anatomical landmarks such as the nasion, sella, and pogonion points.
Why is it important?
The facial axis measurement provides crucial information about: (1) Facial growth direction - whether it is more horizontal or vertical, (2) Jaw relationship and alignment, (3) Dental occlusion and bite problems, (4) Treatment prognosis and options, and (5) Need for orthodontic or surgical intervention.
Reference range
Facial axis is typically assessed qualitatively by the radiologist; measurements are interpreted in the context of skeletal and dental relationships. Normal facial axis angle ranges approximately 0-15 degrees from the basion-nasion line. Results are reported as within normal limits or with descriptive deviation from expected anatomical norms.N/A
No special patient preparation is required for standard skull X-ray. Patients should remove all metal objects, jewelry, hair accessories, dentures, and hearing aids prior to imaging. Inform the radiology technologist if there is any possibility of pregnancy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does this test require fasting or blood draw?
Is the radiation exposure dangerous?
How long does the test take?
When will I get my results?
Who needs this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy