Anaemia and iron deficiency
Revise microcytic, normocytic and macrocytic anaemia, ferritin interpretation, iron replacement, response to treatment and when iron deficiency needs GI or gynaecology investigation.
MRCGP AKT haematology revision
Haematology questions test whether you can interpret common blood results safely, investigate anaemia properly, manage VTE pathways and recognise bleeding, clotting or cancer red flags.
Quick answer
For AKT haematology revision, prioritise anaemia patterns, ferritin interpretation, iron replacement, B12 and folate deficiency, VTE probability, D-dimer use, DOAC safety, thrombocytopenia, abnormal FBCs and haematological cancer red flags.
What to revise first
B12, folate and macrocytosis
Know dietary causes, pernicious anaemia, malabsorption, alcohol, liver disease, hypothyroidism, medication effects and neurological symptoms that change urgency.
VTE and anticoagulation
Focus on DVT and PE probability, D-dimer use, urgent imaging pathways, DOAC safety, renal function, bleeding risk and duration of anticoagulation principles.
Abnormal FBC patterns
Cover thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis, neutropenia, lymphocytosis, polycythaemia, repeat testing, artefact, infection, inflammation and malignancy signals.
Bleeding and bruising
Revise easy bruising, petechiae, mucosal bleeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, anticoagulant complications, liver disease, platelet disorders and urgent escalation triggers.
Haematological cancer clues
Know the red flags: unexplained anaemia, persistent lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, night sweats, weight loss, recurrent infection, bone pain and abnormal blood film.
Red flags to recognise quickly
- Severe anaemia symptoms, syncope, chest pain, breathlessness at rest or suspected active bleeding
- Iron-deficiency anaemia in an adult with GI symptoms, weight loss, rectal bleeding or abnormal examination
- Suspected PE with hypoxia, haemodynamic instability, syncope, pleuritic chest pain or haemoptysis
- Thrombocytopenia with mucosal bleeding, petechiae, neurological symptoms or suspected sepsis
- Neutropenia with fever, systemic illness, chemotherapy exposure or recurrent severe infection
- Lymphadenopathy with B symptoms, splenomegaly, unexplained bruising, bone pain or abnormal blood film
Why haematology questions catch candidates out
The trap is usually over-reassurance: treating iron deficiency without looking for the cause, ignoring an abnormal FBC trend, missing bleeding risk on anticoagulants or forgetting that VTE pathways depend on pre-test probability.
AKT haematology FAQ
Is haematology high yield for the MRCGP AKT?
Yes. Haematology is a named RCGP curriculum topic and AKT questions commonly test anaemia, iron deficiency, B12 and folate deficiency, VTE, anticoagulation, thrombocytopenia, abnormal FBC patterns and cancer red flags.
What haematology topics should I revise for the AKT?
Prioritise anaemia patterns, ferritin interpretation, iron replacement, B12 and folate deficiency, VTE probability and D-dimer use, DOAC safety, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, abnormal FBCs and haematological cancer red flags.
How does anaemia come up in AKT questions?
Anaemia questions often test the MCV pattern, ferritin context, likely cause, oral iron dosing, expected response, referral thresholds and when iron deficiency suggests occult GI or gynaecological blood loss.
What haematology red flags are high yield for the AKT?
Know severe anaemia symptoms, active bleeding, PE instability, thrombocytopenia with bleeding, febrile neutropenia, unexplained lymphadenopathy, B symptoms, splenomegaly and abnormal blood film findings.
Official sources
This is revision guidance, not official RCGP advice. Check current RCGP, NICE CKS and BNF guidance for clinical decisions. Last reviewed June 2026.
October sitting
Oct 26
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