ABSTRACT
Data for SAQs in haematology and oncology will involve interpretation of the full blood count (FBC) and clotting studies in relation to disease, along with understanding the significance of certain more specific investigations, such as the differential blood cell count, haematinics, B12, folate, reticulocytes, fibrinogen and FDPs. Also be familiar with the ABO blood groups, the key points of the clotting cascade and the common biochemical markers of malignancy. The Oxford Handbook of Medicine Chapter on haematology1 is a good place to start, as is the ABC of Clinical Haematology2. Your hospital will also have policies for many haematological and oncological emergencies such as neutropaenic sepsis, managing excess anticoagulation, treatment of bleeding in haemophiliacs and massive blood transfusion, which will cover all the important points where national guidelines are scarce.
