Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Haematological and Immunological System
N1 · Physiology of Haematological System
N1.iii · Blood Groups
Explain the classification of blood groups including ABO and rhesus factor.
Written examination
SAQ history
ABO Compatibility
3 exam appearances
Explain the ABO blood groups and how blood group is determined. How is blood tested for compatibility using the ABO system?
33%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2024A · Day 2 · VIVA 7
This VIVA will examine haematological pharmacology. What are the steps involved in performing a group and screen?
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2023B · Day 3 · VIVA 4
This viva will examine haematological physiology and pharmacology. How is blood typed or grouped?
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2021A · Day 1 · VIVA 6
This viva will explore your knowledge of haematological physiology and pharmacology. Outline the different blood groups and explain what determines them.
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2018A · Day 1 · VIVA 1
This viva will assess your knowledge of haematological physiology & pharmacology. Outline the different blood groups and explain why they are different.
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2017B · Day 3 · VIVA 4
This viva is on blood transfusion, CNS physiology and pharmacology. What is the ABO blood system?
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2017A · Day 1 · VIVA 2
This viva will explore your knowledge of blood groups and coagulation. Describe blood groups.
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2016B · Day 2 · VIVA 7
This viva tested knowledge of blood grouping and cross match and went on to the events involved in blood clotting and some aspects of anticoagulant pharmacology.
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2012A · VIVA 4
This Viva will examine your understanding of blood and blood transfusion. What are the main components of blood? Subsequent questions explored knowledge of human blood groups, common blood group antigens, storage of blood, and changes to stored blood over time and process of group and screen for transfusion.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.