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Ency. home > Test > A > APGAR

APGAR    See images

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Newborn scoring

Definition:

Designed in 1952 by Dr. Virginia Apgar, the APGAR score is a quick test performed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to determine the physical condition of the newborn. The rating is based on a scale of 1 to 10. 10 suggests the healthiest infant, and scores below 5 indicate the infant needs immediate assistance in adjusting to the new environment.

How the Test is Performed

Five categories are assessed:

Each of these categories is scored with 0, 1, or 2, depending on the observed condition of the newborn.
  • Heart Rate: Heart rate is evaluated by stethoscope. This is the most important assessment.
    • If there is no heart beat, the infant scores 0 for heart rate.
    • If there is a heart beat less than 100 beats per minute, the infant scores 1 for heart rate.
    • If there is a heart beat greater than 100 beats per minute, the infant scores 2 for heart rate.
  • Respiratory Effort:
    • If there are no respirations, the infant scores 0 for respiratory effort.
    • If the respirations are slow or irregular, the infant scores 1 for respiratory effort.
    • If there is good crying, the infant scores 2 for respiratory effort.
  • Muscle Tone:
    • If the muscle tone is flaccid, the infant scores 0 for muscle tone.
    • If there is some flexion of the extremities, the infant scores 1 for muscle tone.
    • If there is active motion, the infant score 2 for muscle tone.
  • Reflex Irritability: Reflex irritability is a term describing the level of newborn irritation in response to stimuli (such as a mild pinch).
    • If there is no reflex irritability, the infant scores 0 for reflex irritability.
    • If there is grimacing, the infant scores 1 for reflex irritability.
    • If there is grimacing and a cough, sneeze or a vigorous cry, the infant scores 2 for reflex irritability.
  • Color:
    • If the color is pale blue, the infant scores 0 for color.
    • If the body is pink and the extremities are blue, the infant scores 1 for color.
    • If the entire body is pink, the infant scores 2 for color.

The 1-minute APGAR score assesses how well the newborn tolerated the birthing process. The 5-minute APGAR score assesses how well the newborn is adapting to the environment.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is a screening tool for health care providers to determine what assistance is immediately necessary to help your newborn stabilize.

Ency. home > Test > A > APGAR

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