Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Haematological and Immunological System
N1 · Physiology of Haematological System
N1.ii · RBC, Haemoglobin & Platelet Clearance
Outline the degradation, metabolism and clearance of: a. red blood cells, b. haemoglobin, c. platelets.
Written examination
SAQ history
Blood Constituents — RBC Lifecycle
2 exam appearances
(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%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2022B · Day 3 · VIVA 4
This viva will explore your understanding of red blood cell production, storage, and transfusion. How are red blood cells formed?
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2021B · Day 3 · VIVA 8
This viva will assess your knowledge of haematology. Describe the formation of red blood cells.
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2015A · VIVA 8
This Viva tested knowledge on the physiology and pharmacology of iron and haemoglobin.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.