LAB TEST
Apgar score
Apgar is a quick test performed on a baby at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. The 1-minute score determines how well the baby tolerated the birthing process. The 5-minute score tells the health care provider how well the baby is doing outside the mother's womb. It also helps measure how well the baby responds if resuscitation is needed right after birth. In rare cases, the test will be done 10 minutes after birth. Virginia Apgar, MD (1909-1974) introduced the Apgar score in 1952.
How the Test is Performed
The Apgar test is done by a doctor, midwife, or nurse. The health care provider examines the baby's: Breathing effort Heart rate Muscle tone Reflexes Skin color Each category is scored with 0, 1, or 2, depending on the observed condition. Breathing effort: If the infant is not breathing, the respiratory score is 0. If…
Why the Test is Performed
This test is done to determine whether a newborn needs help breathing or is having heart trouble.
Normal Results
The Apgar score is based on a total score of 1 to 10. The higher the score, the better the baby is doing after birth. A score of 7, 8, or 9 is normal and is a sign that the newborn is in good health. A score of 10 is very unusual, since almost all newborns lose 1 point for blue hands and feet, which is normal for…
What Abnormal Results Mean
Any score lower than 7 is a sign that the baby needs medical attention. The lower the score, the more help the baby needs to adjust outside the mother's womb. Most of the time a low Apgar score is caused by: A difficult birth C-section Fluid in the baby's airway A baby with a low Apgar score may need: Oxygen and…
References
Arulkumaran S. Fetal surveillance in labor. In: Arulkumaran SS, Robson MS, eds. Munro Kerr's Operative Obstetrics. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 9. Goyal NK. The newborn infant. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed.…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 22/10/2022).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.