Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Haematological and Immunological System

N1 · Physiology of Haematological System

N1.i · Blood & Plasma Components

Official V5 objective
Outline the components of blood and plasma including their synthesis and function.
9 SAQ topics 15 SAQ appearances 5 VIVA stations

Written examination

SAQ history

15 appearances
Describe the structure and function of adult hemoglobin.
25%
Describe the structure and function of adult haemoglobin.
57%
Explain the similarities and differences between myoglobin and adult haemoglobin (60% of marks) and their physiologic relevance (40% of marks).
23%
Outline the following with respect to platelets: (a) Formation (15% of marks). (b) Structure (40% of marks). (c) Function (45% of marks).
58%
Outline the formation, structure, and function of the platelet.
79%
Outline the formation, structure and function of the platelet.
50%
Describe the features of a red blood cell that facilitate oxygen transport.
33%
Outline the formation, structure and function of the adult red blood cell.
19%
Plasma & Albumin
2 exam appearances
Outline the composition of plasma (50% of marks). Describe the functions of albumin (50% of marks).
30%
List the constituents of plasma and the functions of plasma proteins.
68.2%
Platelets & Clopidogrel
1 exam appearance
Describe the structure and function of platelets (50% marks). Outline the pharmacology of clopidogrel (50% marks).
52%
Describe the generation of ATP by mitochondria (50% marks) and outline the processes by which ATP is generated in red blood cells (50% marks).
15%
(a) With respect to red blood cell production, outline the following: (i) the site (10% of marks). (ii) the stimuli (5% of marks). (iii) the process (15% of marks). (b) With respect to red cell breakdown, outline the following; (i) the usual lifespan in neonates and adults (10% of marks). (ii) the process of red cell aging, degradation and clearance (40% of marks). (iii) the process of haemoglobin breakdown (20% of marks).
72%
Briefly outline the production and fate of Red Blood Cells (RBC) (40% of marks). Describe the breakdown of haemoglobin (Hb) (60% of marks).
60%
IV Fluids — Albumin
1 exam appearance
Describe the physiology (50% marks) and pharmacology (50% marks) of albumin.
19%

Oral examination

VIVA history

5 stations

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.