Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Apgar score
Pronunciation: AP-gar
A standardized assessment of newborn health measured at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.
Full Definition
The Apgar score is a quick assessment tool used to evaluate the physical condition of newborns immediately after delivery. Named after anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar, it measures five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. Each criterion is scored 0-2, with a maximum total score of 10. The assessment is performed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, with additional assessments at 10 minutes if initial scores are low.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Dr. Virginia Apgar; capitalize as a proper noun.
In Context
- "The infant received an Apgar score of 9 at one minute and 10 at five minutes." — Birth record documentation
- "Low Apgar scores may indicate the need for immediate resuscitation." — Clinical protocol
Also known as
newborn assessment score
Don't confuse with
APGAR (different acronym expansions)
Anger score