Lifespan's A - Z Health Information Library

The APGAR score is a quick test performed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The 1-minute score determines how well the baby tolerated the birthing process. The 5-minute score assesses how well the newborn is adapting to its new environment.

The rating is based on a total score of 1 to 10, with 10 suggesting the healthiest infant. Scores below 5 indicate that the infant needs immediate assistance in adjusting to his or her new environment.

The test was designed in 1952 by Dr. Virginia Apgar at Columbia University's Babies Hospital.

Five categories are assessed:

• Heart rate
• Respiratory (breathing) effort
• Muscle tone
• Reflex irritability
• Color

Each category is scored with 0, 1, or 2, depending on the observed condition.

• Heart rate is evaluated by stethoscope. This is the most important assessment:
  • If there is no heartbeat, the infant scores 0 for heart rate.
  • If heart rate is less than 100 beats per minute, the infant scores 1 for heart rate.
  • If heart rate is greater than 100 beats per minute, the infant scores 2 for heart rate.
• Respiratory effort:
  • If the infant is not breathing, the respiratory score is 0.
  • If the respirations are slow or irregular, the infant scores 1 for respiratory effort.
  • If the infant cries well, the respiratory score is 2.
• Muscle tone:
  • If muscles are loose and floppy, the infant scores 0 for muscle tone.
  • If there is some muscle tone, the infant scores 1.
  • If there is active motion, the infant scores 2 for muscle tone.
• Reflex irritability is a term describing response to stimuli such as a mild pinch:
  • If there is no reaction, 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 vigorous cry, the infant scores 2 for reflex irritability.
• Color:
  • If the skin 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.

This test is a screening tool to determine whether a newborn needs help stabilizing.

A score of 8 or 9 is normal and indicates the newborn is in good condition. A score of 10 is very unusual, since almost all newborns lose one point for blue hands and feet.

Any score lower than 8 indicates the child needs assistance. However, a child who has a low score at 1 minute and a normal score at 5 minutes should not have any long-term problems.

The APGAR test has no risks. It is very safe.