How to Revise Hematology for MRCP Part 1

TL;DR

If you're figuring out how to revise Hematology for MRCP Part 1, start by mastering anaemia patterns, leukaemia classifications, coagulation logic, and transfusion medicine. Use case-based practice, interpret labs actively, and simulate timed questions with the Crack Medicine QBank and mock tests. A 10-week structured approach ensures strong recall and exam-ready confidence.

Why this matters

Hematology carries disproportionate weight in MRCP Part 1. It touches multiple systems—renal, infectious disease, oncology, and pharmacology. Candidates often score lower here due to poor lab interpretation rather than lack of theory. The key is to understand mechanisms, not memorise values.

This guide breaks down high-yield topics, traps, and a 10-week plan to simplify your preparation and maximise your marks.

Quick overview: MRCP Part 1 and Hematology

The MRCP(UK) Part 1 exam consists of two 3-hour papers with 100 best-of-five MCQs each. Around 10–15 questions per paper (20–30 total) involve Hematology, either directly or as part of clinical vignettes.

Expect integration with:

• General Medicine (anaemia in chronic disease, infections)

• Oncology (leukaemia, myeloma)

• Pharmacology (cytotoxics, anticoagulants)

• Pathology (bone marrow, blood films)

Hematology questions test your pattern recognition—linking blood results, clinical signs, and treatment mechanisms.

5 Most Tested Subtopics

Core Theme	Typical Question Style	Quick Recall Tip
Anaemias	Iron, B12, folate, haemolytic	Use MCV and reticulocyte count to classify
Haematological malignancies	AML, CML, lymphoma variants	Match cytogenetic translocations with clues (e.g. t(9;22) → CML)
Coagulation disorders	DIC, haemophilia, vWD	Compare PT/aPTT patterns with pathophysiology
Transfusion medicine	Reactions, component therapy	Know the difference between TRALI, TACO, and haemolytic reactions
Myeloproliferative disorders	PV, ET, myelofibrosis	Remember JAK2 positivity and splenomegaly associations

Evidence-based 10-Week Revision Plan

Week	Focus Area	Core Tasks	Testing
1–2	Anaemias	Learn microcytic → normocytic → macrocytic algorithm	100 QBank questions + flashcards
3	Leukaemias & Lymphomas	Review WHO classification, flow cytometry basics	Timed QBank set (40 MCQs)
4	Coagulation Disorders	Map PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, D-dimer logic	Practice with mixed lab data stems
5	Transfusion Medicine	Review blood component use and reactions	Crack Medicine lecture replays
6–7	Myeloproliferative & Myelodysplastic	Link cytogenetics (JAK2, CALR) to presentations	Case-based quiz
8	Haemolytic Anaemia	G6PD, hereditary spherocytosis, autoimmune	2 mocks + error review
9	Integration	Mix all systems; simulate clinical scenarios	Full-length mock under timed conditions
10	Final review	Focus on weak areas, high-yield QBank tags	1 timed test + analytics review

Note: The Crack Medicine app adds a new mock test every month with built-in performance analytics, helping you visualise topic-wise accuracy.

Practical Example: A Mini-Case

Question: A 46-year-old man presents with fatigue and splenomegaly. CBC shows Hb 10 g/dL, WBC 120 × 10⁹/L, platelets 700 × 10⁹/L. Blood film reveals myelocytes and basophilia.Which chromosomal abnormality is most characteristic?

A. t(8;14)B. t(15;17)C. t(9;22)D. del(5q)

Answer: C. t(9;22) — the Philadelphia chromosome, typical of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML).Learning point: Remember the sequence — anaemia + leukocytosis + thrombocytosis + splenomegaly = myeloproliferative disease.

5 Common Traps (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Confusing folate and B12 deficiency – Only B12 causes neurological symptoms.

2. Misclassifying anaemia – Always use MCV first, then ferritin, reticulocyte count, and haemolysis markers.

3. Forgetting drug causes – Heparin (HIT), chloramphenicol (aplastic anaemia), methotrexate (megaloblastic).

4. Ignoring transfusion reactions – Remember TRALI (non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema) vs TACO (volume overload).

5. Skipping myeloproliferative mutations – JAK2 for PV/ET/myelofibrosis; BCR-ABL for CML.

   
   

How to Use the Crack Medicine QBank Effectively

1. Start with untimed mode to focus on understanding question logic.

2. Switch to timed mode in later weeks to simulate exam stress.

3. Tag incorrect questions and review explanations weekly.

4. Use the in-app analytics dashboard to target low-score topics.

5. Join monthly mock cycles to benchmark against national averages.

🩸 Note: Each mock in the Crack Medicine App provides topic-wise breakdowns and progress tracking — ideal for spaced repetition and focused re-learning.

Study Checklist

1. Revise 1 hour/day using QBank mode.

2. Watch topic-based lecture replays for unclear concepts.

3. Keep a one-page “lab logic sheet” for MCV, PT, aPTT, and cell counts.

4. Simulate a timed mock every 2 weeks.

5. Read NICE or NHS Blood guidelines for clinical relevance.

   
   

Sources

• MRCP(UK) Part 1 Exam Information

• NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries – Anaemia, Iron Deficiency

• NHS Blood and Transplant – Blood Components and Transfusion Reactions

• BMJ Best Practice: Leukaemia Overview

  
  

FAQs

1. How many Hematology questions are there in MRCP Part 1?

Typically 20–30 questions across both papers, with heavy overlap into general medicine and oncology.

2. What’s the best resource for Hematology revision?

A structured QBank like Crack Medicine’s, paired with the MRCP(UK) official syllabus and brief clinical notes.

3. How early should I start revising Hematology?

Begin 10–12 weeks before your exam, allocating 2–3 weeks exclusively for anaemias and malignancies.

4. Are there image-based questions in Hematology?

Yes — blood film interpretation, bone marrow images, and coagulation charts are increasingly common.

5. What’s the most efficient last-week strategy?

Focus on high-yield tables, review error logs, and complete 2 timed mocks — one 5 days and one 2 days before the exam.

Ready to start?

Streamline your prep today — practise Free MRCP MCQs, then start a mock test to track your readiness. For integrated teaching and discussion of haematological vignettes, explore our MRCP Part 1 overview hub with links to lectures, notes, and exam-specific analytics.