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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Tests and Exams > APGAR

APGAR

Alternate Names : Newborn Scoring

Overview & Description | Results and Values

The APGAR score is a quick test done on an infant at 1, 5, and sometimes 10 minutes after birth to determine his or her physical condition.

Who is a candidate for the test?

All babies delivered in a hospital or birthing center have APGAR testing by trained delivery room staff. The test is used as a screening tool so doctors can decide what medical help may be needed to stabilize a newborn in distress.

How is the test performed?

The APGAR score is based on looking at five aspects of the infant, first at 1 minute, then again at 5 minutes. If fetal distress was present during labor and delivery, a 10-minute score may also be performed. Each aspect of the test is scored from 0 to 2 points, depending upon the health of the infant, as follows:

  • heart rate: 0 = no heart beat; 1 = heart rate less than 100; 2 = heart rate more than 100
  • respiratory effort: 0 = no breaths; 1 = slow, irregular breathing; 2 = crying with breaths
  • muscle tone: 0 = flaccid; 1 = some flexion of extremities; 2 = active motion
  • reflex irritability, which is how much the newborn reacts in response to stimuli: 0 = no response; 1 = grimacing; 2 = vigorous cry
  • color: 0 = pale blue; 1 = body is pink, but extremities are blue; 2 = body and extremities are pink

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    APGAR: Results and Values

    Author: Eva Martin, MD
    Reviewer: Kathleen A. MacNaughton, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 10/07/02



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