Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Haematological and Immunological System
N4 · Haematological Pharmacology
N4.ii · Blood & Plasma Products
Understand the pharmacology of blood and plasma products including: a. preparation, b. typing and cross matching, c. storage and effects of storage.
Written examination
SAQ history
FFP vs PCC
2 exam appearances
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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2023A · Day 2 · VIVA 3
This VIVA will examine haematological physiology and pharmacology. How are packed red blood cells (PRBCs) prepared by the blood bank?
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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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2012B · VIVA 7
This Viva will examine knowledge of blood products and blood transfusion. How is blood processed after it is collected? Subsequent discussion focused on other aspects of transfusion such as additives in a bag of blood, blood components, blood groups, storage lesions and haemostatic agents, in particular tranexamic acid.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.