> Who is tested in order to receive what's known as an Apgar score?And the answer: newborns. Photo credit: Atrium Health[https://atriumhealth.org/dailydose/2019/05/16/baby-times-have-changed-guide-for-newborn-mothers-unearthed-from-1968].Given to newborns at one minute and again at five minutes after birth, theApgar test checks a baby's heart rate, muscle tone, and other criteria todetermine if extra medical care is needed. In 1952, Dr. Virginia Apgar createdthe system, and used her own name to describe what the test evaluates:Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration.The Apgar score is primarily used to determine whether or not medicalintervention is necessary for newborn babies. In a score ranging from 0 to 2points in each category, the labor and delivery nurse assesses the baby'sindependent function and ability. For example, if the baby is blue or pale, itwill be awarded 0 points for appearance. But if the baby's heartbeat is greaterthan 100 beats per minute – which can be a good sign – it will earn 2 points forpulse. The baby can score up to 10 points, a number which indicates that thenewborn is functioning normally (and its mama can breathe a sigh of relief). Ascore of 7 or above is considered functional. Apgar scores are not predictive tests – they are not used to determine morbidityor mortality. If the score is low (less than 7), it's usually indicative of thestress of the newborn, and that some intervention is needed. Most times, suctionor stimulation of the baby will elevate its Apgar score, and medical staff willconduct the test again to greater success. Learn more about the science of the Apgar score below.