Used to evaluate immediate health status of a neonate (not a predictor of health). Five parameters are measured and scored at one and five minutes after birth for a maximum score of 10 points. It is repeated at regular intervals if the scores are low (<3). Scores above 7 are generally considered reassuring.

Each parameter is given a score of 0-2 points (see below). There are several mnemonics to help you remember the parameters, but this is the one that I favor:

Score: 0, 1, 2
Appearance (color): blue, extremities blue, pink
Pulse (heart rate): absent, <100, >100
Grimace (reflex irritability): no response, grimace when stimulated, pull away when stimulated
Activity (tone): none, some flexion, active movement
Respiration: absent, weak or irregular, strong