Last-2-Weeks Hematology Strategy (MRCP Part 1)
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Last-2-Weeks Hematology Strategy (MRCP Part 1)

TL;DR

Use this structured last-2-weeks strategy for haematology (MRCP Part 1) to shift from broad revision to sharp recall of key haematology topics like anaemia, leukaemia, coagulation and transfusion medicine. Focus on timed question practice, error review, rapid flashcards and a fixed revision timetable to maximise your score in the final phase.


Why this matters

As you enter the final two weeks before your MRCP Part 1 exam, time is short and your revision must be extremely focused. Haematology is a subject that overlaps with internal medicine, oncology, transfusion medicine and laboratory diagnostics — and appears regularly in the exam syllabus. Study MRCP+2Royal Colleges of Physicians UK+2At this stage your goal is not to learn new textbooks from scratch, but to refine recall, sharpen recognition of high-yield pathways and lab patterns, and practice under timed conditions. Use our free MCQs for targeted recall (see Free MRCP MCQs) and simulate exam conditions (see Start a mock test).By adopting a conviction-driven strategy in these final 14 days, you increase your chance to identify the traps and consolidation gaps that often cost high-achievers marks in the real exam.


High-Yield Haematology Topics for the Final 2 Weeks

Here are eight critical areas you should master, with concise study tips:

  1. Anaemias – Microcytic vs macrocytic vs haemolytic. Tip: Memorise the algorithm: MCV < 80 → iron deficiency/thalassaemia; MCV > 100 → B12/folate, drugs, marrow.

  2. Leukaemias & Lymphomas – AML, ALL, CML, CLL: recognise typical age groups, cytogenetics (e.g., Philadelphia chromosome in CML).

  3. Myeloproliferative Disorders – Polycythaemia vera, essential thrombocythaemia, myelofibrosis: JAK2 mutation, splenomegaly, risk of thrombosis.

  4. Coagulation & Haemostasis Disorders – Intrinsic vs extrinsic pathways, mixing studies, factor deficiencies, DIC, haemophilia, vWD.

  5. Transfusion Medicine – Indications, acute vs delayed reactions, TRALI (transfusion-related acute lung injury), massive transfusion protocols.

  6. Haemoglobinopathies – Sickle-cell disease, beta-thalassaemia major/minor: Hb electrophoresis patterns, complications like aplastic crises.

  7. Bone Marrow Failure & Pancytopenia – Aplastic anaemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, drugs that cause marrow suppression.

  8. Haematological Emergencies – Tumour lysis syndrome, leukostasis, hyperviscosity syndromes: rapid recognition and management.

  9. Lab and Image Recognition – Blood smears (e.g., spherocytes, schistocytes, Auer rods), bone-marrow aspirate pictures: practice visual patterns.

  10. Overlap Topics – For example, anaemia in renal failure, coagulation in liver disease, haematology in infection: expect integrative questions.

Two-Week Intensive Revision Plan

Here is your compact weekly timetable:

Week

Focus Area

Daily Tasks

Week 1

Core topics & recall

Days 1-7: Cover anaemias, leukaemias, myeloproliferative disorders & coagulation. Do 40–50 timed MCQs/day from your bank. Review errors each evening.

Weekend 1

Mock + review

Full timed mock on haematology block; review every incorrect answer in depth.

Week 2

Integrative practice & image-based work

Days 8-13: Mixed haematology-medicine cases, transfusion, emergencies. Flashcards for lab patterns and image recognition. 30 MCQs/day tailored to weak areas.

Day 14

Final mock + light recall

Take one full timed mock. Then just skim high-yield flashcards, review error log, short rest periods. No heavy new reading.

💡 Tip: Use study-blocks of 60–75 minutes followed by a 10-15 minute break. Then include one 15-minute spaced recall session before bed to embed memory.


Two-week MRCP Part 1 haematology revision setup with medical notes, laptop, and blood smear image symbolising final-phase study strategy.

Practical Example: Mini-Case

Case: A 34-year-old woman presents with fatigue and glossitis. Laboratory tests show Hb 8.5 g/dL, MCV 114 fL, reticulocyte count low, and anti-intrinsic-factor antibodies are present.

Question: What is the most likely diagnosis?A. Folate deficiencyB. Autoimmune gastritis with B12 deficiencyC. Myelodysplastic syndromeD. Alcohol-induced macrocytosis

Answer: B. Autoimmune gastritis with B12 deficiency. Explanation: The presence of anti-intrinsic factor antibodies points to pernicious anaemia (autoimmune gastritis leading to B12 deficiency). The macrocytosis (MCV 114) and low reticulocyte count fit. Folate deficiency lacks intrinsic factor antibodies. Myelodysplastic syndrome often in older patient with other cytopenias. Alcohol-induced macrocytosis would have alcohol history and classically MCV increased but without antibody evidence.


Common Pitfalls & Fixes

  • Trying to start new chapters in the final two weeks → Instead, focus on consolidation of known weak areas.

  • Overlooking image-based questions (blood films, marrow aspirate) → Schedule short visual revision sessions daily.

  • Ignoring error-logs from question banks → Review every wrong answer and build mini-flashcards from them.

  • Treating mocks as one-off events → Review thoroughly, identify patterns, and adjust revision accordingly.

  • Burn-out from marathon revision → Take short rests, maintain sleep hygiene, stay hydrated to preserve cognitive sharpness.


FAQs

Q1: How much haematology should I study in the final two weeks before MRCP Part 1?

You should devote around 2–3 hours per day to haematology, focussing on high-yield recall, MCQs and error review rather than trying to cover new material.

Q2: Should I prioritise doing mocks or revising notes?

Do both—but place mock tests with timed pressure as the priority. Use revision notes in short sessions to plug gaps identified from mocks and error logs.

Q3: How can I efficiently memorise coagulation pathways for the exam?

Use mnemonic flowcharts, contrast intrinsic vs extrinsic pathways (aPTT vs PT logic), and repeatedly test yourself with single-step questions rather than full text memorisation.

Q4: Which haematology topics overlap most with other internal-medicine disciplines in MRCP Part 1?

Anaemias overlap with gastrointestinal/renal medicine; coagulation overlaps with hepatology and critical care; haematological malignancies overlap with oncology.

Q5: Are image-based questions common in MRCP Part 1 haematology?

Yes — the exam often includes peripheral smear, bone-marrow aspirate and electrophoresis images. Familiarity saves time and avoids being surprised in the exam.


Ready to start?

In these final 14 days, commit to structured practice and error-review. Use our Free MRCP MCQs to sharpen recall, then Start a mock test to simulate exam conditions. Also revisit the full MRCP Part 1 overview to align your haematology revision with the broader exam strategy of Crack Medicine. You have the resources — now focus and execute. Good luck!


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