MRCP Part 1 Hematology MCQs with Explanations

Crack Medicine
Nov 11
5 min read

TL;DR

This article provides a targeted set of 25 high-yield hematology practice MCQs for your preparation of MRCP Part 1 hematology — 25 practice MCQs with explanations. The questions span anaemia, coagulation, transfusion, malignancy and more, with detailed rationales to sharpen your thinking. Use this as a strategic revision tool and then reinforce by heading to the Free MRCP MCQs for full-length QBank sessions.

Why this matters

The haematology domain forms a vital component of the MRCP Part 1 exam. According to the official blueprint, knowledge of blood disorders, coagulation and transfusion is examined via multiple-choice questions and computer-based formats. Royal Colleges of Physicians+2Royal Colleges of Physicians+2For candidates aiming for high performance, mastering haematology means being comfortable with lab data interpretation, morphological clues, transfusion indications and treatment algorithms — not simply rote memorisation. By practising focused MCQs with explanations, you build diagnostic wiring, error recognition and time-efficient decision making.

High-Yield Hematology Topics & Quick Tips

Below are five of the most frequently tested sub-topics in haematology for MRCP Part 1, followed by three traps you must avoid.

Sub-topic	Quick Tips
1. Anaemia work-up	Always interpret ferritin, TIBC, transferrin saturation together; know the difference between iron deficiency, anaemia of chronic disease and mixed states.
2. Haemolysis and red cell morphology	Recognise key lab patterns (e.g., raised LDH, low haptoglobin, indirect bilirubin) as well as peripheral smear features (spherocytes, schistocytes).
3. Coagulation & bleeding disorders	Know intrinsic vs extrinsic pathways (aPTT vs PT), key factor deficiencies (e.g., Factor VIII in haemophilia A) and inhibitor states. BSH+2BSH+2
4. Transfusion medicine & reactions	Be clear on cross-match basics, acute vs delayed reactions, indication for platelets or FFP.
5. Haematological malignancies & marrow failure	Identify features of AML vs CML, myelofibrosis (tear-drop RBCs), MDS, and know the basics of staging and investigation.

Top 3 exam-traps to avoid

Confusing anaemia of chronic disease with iron deficiency anaemia when ferritin is elevated.
Interpreting prolonged aPTT as always due to lupus; missing factor inhibitors or acquired haemophilia.
Assuming transfusion thresholds are identical in all clinical settings—context matters (bleeding vs prophylaxis).

Sample MCQ & Explanation

Here’s one example from the full 25-question set to illustrate how you should approach and learn from each item.

Question: A 52-year-old male presents with fatigue and pallor. Laboratory results show Hb 8.9 g/dL, MCV 100 fL, reticulocyte count 0.8%, and a bone-marrow aspirate shows increased blasts >20%. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? A. Aplastic anaemiaB. Myelodysplastic syndromeC. Acute myeloid leukaemiaD. Chronic myeloid leukaemia

Answer: C. Acute myeloid leukaemia

Explanation: The macrocytic anaemia with depressed reticulocyte count, combined with blasts >20% in bone marrow, fulfils the criteria for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In contrast, myelodysplastic syndrome has blasts <20% by definition. Aplastic anaemia shows hypocellular marrow rather than increased blasts, and chronic myeloid leukaemia would show mature myeloid proliferation with typically a Philadelphia chromosome rather than blasts in this pattern.

Use this approach for each question: read the vignette carefully, integrate lab/film findings, exclude distractors, and review the explanation immediately to learn the reasoning.

Note: The full set of 25 MCQs with detailed rationales, subject-wise analytics and timed interface is available in our Free MRCP MCQs.

Study Checklist: Implementing the MCQ Practice

Schedule 60 minutes twice a week for haematology MCQ practice.
Do 25 MCQs in one timed block (≈60 minutes), simulating exam conditions.
Immediately review each answer: write down why you got it wrong (if you did).
Create a weekly “error log” of topics you consistently miss.
Revisit weak areas via topic-specific mini-lectures or revision notes.
Every 2 weeks, take a mock test covering multiple systems via Start a mock test.
Use active recall + spaced repetition: revisit error-parked questions after one week, then after three weeks.

Common Pitfalls & Fixes

Relying solely on memorising normal values instead of interpreting patterns → Fix: always ask “what does this pattern mean?”
Ignoring peripheral blood smear description in questions → Fix: practise visual clues (schistocytes, tear-drop cells).
Overlooking anticoagulation/transfusion guidelines in haematology context → Fix: keep chart of PT, aPTT, reversal indications at hand.
Misclassifying leukaemia types by age alone → Fix: focus on blasts count, cytogenetics and peripheral smear.
Mixing up haemophilia A/B and acquired inhibitors → Fix: remember haemophilia A = Factor VIII, male, congenital; acquired = auto-antibody.
Neglecting transfusion reaction management (e.g., TRALI, TACO) → Fix: include a quick-reference table of transfusion emergencies in your revision notes.

How Crack Medicine Fits Into Your Plan

At Crack Medicine, we support your MRCP Part 1 journey with a three-pillar offering:

Platform	Features	Ideal Use
Free MCQ QBank Free MRCP MCQs	1500+ topic-wise questions, timed mode, analytics	Daily practice & performance tracking
Online lectures Lectures	Expert-led videos, slides, topic summaries	Drill weak topics identified via QBank
Mock test platform Start a mock test	Full-length simulation, timed, review reports	Assess readiness and manage exam-day stamina

A candidate’s testimonial: “Using Crack Medicine’s QBank and mock suite made the difference in my final exam diet. ”The above description is generic and illustrative only.

Doctor studying hematology topics with textbooks and blood smear diagrams — MRCP Part 1 revision concept.

Exam-Day Strategy & Mindset

Last-week checklist: Cover high-yield haematology topics (anaemia, leukaemia, coagulation), review error log, ensure 7 h sleep per night.
Time-management: If stuck >90 seconds on a question, mark and move on—return if time allows.
Stress micro-habit: Before each paper, pause and take three slow breaths, visualise calm confidence.
On the day: Read the question stem fully before jumping into answer choices; many haematology vignettes hinge on one lab clue.
After the exam: Immediately relax, avoid discussing questions in depth (stressful and non-productive), then review performance analytics once results are out and adjust the plan accordingly.

FAQs

1. How many haematology questions appear in MRCP Part 1?

There’s no fixed number, but haematology is one of the defined topics in the blueprint of the exam. Royal Colleges of Physicians+1

2. What units are used for haematology lab values in the exam?

The exam uses SI units for most haematology parameters (ferritin µg/L, Hb g/dL, etc.), so familiarise yourself with UK/European formats.

3. Should I memorise all coagulation factor numbers?

You should know key ones (e.g., Factor VIII, IX) and the logic of pathways rather than memorising every factor number. Understanding intrinsic vs extrinsic pathways is more important.

4. Is it enough to practise MCQs, or do I need textbooks too?

MCQs build application and recall speed, but they work best when you support them with concise revision resources/lectures — use a QBank plus short topic summaries.

5. When should I start hematology revision in my overall MRCP Part 1 plan?Once you have covered the major systems (cardio, respiratory, gastro) you should allocate at least 2-3 weeks of focussed haematology revision in the middle of your schedule, then revisit it in the final revision phase.

Ready to start?

Ready to master haematology for MRCP Part 1? Begin your high-yield practice today. Visit our Free MRCP MCQs to tackle full sets of questions with analytics feedback. Prefer structured video learning? Check out our Lectures on haematology topics. When you feel ready for a timed simulation, go ahead and Start a mock test to assess your exam-day preparedness.