What is the primary purpose of the Apgar test?

The primary purpose of the Apgar test is to evaluate immediate health needs. Administered shortly after birth, usually at one and five minutes, the Apgar test assesses five criteria: appearance, pulse, grimace response, activity, and respiration. Each of these criteria is scored on a scale from 0 to 2, with a total score ranging from 0 to 10. This quick assessment can effectively determine whether a newborn needs immediate medical attention or if they are stable and healthy.

Understanding the Apgar score is crucial for healthcare providers as it helps them identify any urgent health issues that the newborn may be experiencing right after birth, allowing for timely interventions if necessary. The test is not designed to evaluate long-term health concerns or developmental issues. This focus on immediate health is what distinguishes the Apgar test from other assessments related to weight, mother's health, or congenital defects.