The Apgar Test is a simple and rapid evaluation used to measure the health status of newborns in their first minutes of life. This test, developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952, has become a fundamental tool to determine the need for immediate medical interventions and follow the baby's evolution in the first hours after birth.
How to administer the Apgar Test
The Apgar Test is administered at two specific times: one minute after birth and five minutes after the baby is born. Each of the five categories evaluated receives a score between 0 and 2, with 0 being the lowest score and 2 being the highest. The total score ranges between 0 and 10, where a high score indicates a good state of health for the newborn.
The five categories evaluated in the Apgar Test are the following:
1. Heart rate: The baby's heart rate is evaluated. A score of 2 is assigned if it is greater than 100 beats per minute, 1 if it is less than 100 beats per minute, and 0 if there is no cardiac activity.
2. Muscle activity: The baby's muscle tone and motor activity are observed. A score of 2 is assigned if there is active movement, 1 if there is some limb flexion, and 0 if there is no movement.
3. Breathing: The presence of breathing in the baby is evaluated. A score of 2 is assigned if the baby cries vigorously, 1 if breathing is irregular or weak, and 0 if there is no breathing.
4. Color: The color of the baby's skin is observed. A score of 2 is assigned if the baby has a pink color all over the body, 1 if the baby has a bluish color, and 0 if the skin is pale or cyanotic.
5. Response to stimuli: The baby's response to external stimuli, such as sucking on the nose, is evaluated. A score of 2 is assigned if the baby coughs, sneezes or cries in response to the stimulus, 1 if there are grimaces or gestures and 0 if there is no response.
Evaluation criteria in the Apgar Test
The total score on the Apgar Test provides a quick assessment of the newborn's health status and helps determine whether immediate medical interventions are needed. The general criteria for interpreting the score are as follows:- Score between 7 and 10: the baby is considered in good health and does not require immediate interventions.
- Score between 4 and 6: the baby needs immediate medical interventions and special care in the first hours of life.
- Score between 0 and 3: the baby is in critical condition and requires urgent medical interventions to guarantee its survival. survival.
It is important to keep in mind that the Apgar Test score is not a definitive diagnosis, but rather an initial tool to evaluate the health of the newborn. Other factors and medical tests are also essential for a complete and accurate analysis of the baby's health status.
In summary, the Apgar Test is an invaluable tool in neonatal care that allows for a quick and easy evaluation of the health status of newborns in their first minutes of life. Its proper application and correct interpretation of the results are essential to guarantee appropriate and timely medical care, contributing to the health and well-being of newborns.