Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Haematological and Immunological System
N3 · Haematological Measurement
N3.i · Coagulation & Viscoelastic Testing
Describe the methods for assessing coagulation, including viscoelastic assays.
Written examination
SAQ history
Coagulation Tests
2 exam appearances
Outline how the following tests assess coagulation:
a. Prothombin Time (PT)
b. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)
c. Activated Clotting Time (ACT)
d. Thromboelastography (TEG or ROTEM)
61%
Outline how the following tests assess coagulation:
a) Prothrombin Time (PT);
b) Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT);
c) Activated Clotting Time (ACT);
d) Thromboelastogram (TEG or ROTEM)
0%
Viscoelastic Assays: Platelets, Heparin & Hyperfibrinolysis
1 exam appearance
With respect to viscoelastic assays, describe the expected alterations and the underlying mechanisms resulting from the following:
a) platelet dysfunction (40% of marks),
b) therapeutic heparin use (40% of marks),
c) hyperfibrinolysis (20% of marks). Either TEG or ROTEM is acceptable for your answer.
29%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2022A · Day 1 · VIVA 1
This viva will explore your understanding of coagulation. How do viscoelastic haemostatic assays like TEG and ROTEM measure coagulation?
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2021B · Day 1 · VIVA 3
This viva will assess your knowledge of coagulation. What are the principles behind viscoelastic haemostatic assays like TEG and ROTEM? (Image removed from report).
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2018B · Day 1 · VIVA 8
This viva will explore thromboelastography. Can you label this trace of a normal thromboelastogram? (Image removed from report.)
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2016A · Day 2 · VIVA 7
This viva tested knowledge of the coagulation system, including fibrinolysis, tests of coagulation and the pharmacology of heparin.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.