Haematology and Transfusion

1. Discuss the role of positive and negative regulators in haematopoiesis. 2. Evaluate the role of stem cell transplantation in the clinical management of haematological malignancies. 3. Several aetiological factors are associated with leukaemogenesis." Discuss this statement with reference to the relevant cellular and molecular mechanisms. 4. Traditional chemotherapy for haematological malignancies is likely to be replaced by more innovative treatment strategies in the near future Discuss this statement. 5. Describe the molecular basis underlying haematological malignancies 6. Correct diagnosis and monitoring of haematological malignancies are fundamental to treatment. Evaluate the evidence behind this statement. 7. Review, using named examples, the diversity of congenital abnormalities intrinsic to red blood cells that may result in their premature loss or destruction. 8. Review the considerations and investigations involved in diagnosing a suspected case of haemolytic anaemia. 9. The differing mechanisms of assimilation of iron, folate and B12 from the gastro-intestinal tract have implications for both the causal mechanisms and the therapies of the respective deficiency states. Discuss this statement. 10. All nutritional anaemias arise as a consequence of inadequate dietary intake. Evaluate this statement, including details of the mechanisms by which these arise. 11. Describe the steps involved in the absorption and assimilation of iron culminating in its incorporation into the developing red cell. 12. "The frequency with which abnormal haemoglobins are encountered is inversely related to their clinical significance." Discuss this statement. 13. Discuss the following statement: The symptomatic severity of the enzymopathy depends upon the position that the deficient enzyme occupies in the Embden-Meyerhof pathway. 14. Describe the pathology and current clinical management of alloimmune diseases of the foetus and newborn.

15. Compare and contrast the different mechanisms that give rise to polymorphisms in the ABO and Rh blood group systems. 16. Discuss the impact that Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) technology has had on the detection of virally infected blood and blood products. 17. Discuss the infectious agents of relevance to the UK that can be transmitted by transfusion and the steps the Transfusion Service takes to minimise the risk of their transmission. 18. Critically analyse the role of platelets in haemostasis. 19. Compare and contrast the molecular basis, differential diagnosis and therapy of the haemorrhagic disorders. 20. Through discussion of their structure, mode of action, clinical application and side effects, evaluate the relative merits and deficiencies of unfractionated heparin and the low molecular weight heparins as anti-coagulant treatments. 21. Compare and contrast the molecular basis, differential diagnosis and therapy of the haemophilia disorders. 22. Discuss the approaches to the laboratory investigation of a suspected case of thrombocytopenia. 23. Discuss the role of positive and negative regulators in haemostasis. 24. Describe, in detail, the structure of fibrinogen and discuss the process of its conversion to a fibrin clot during the coagulation process. 25. Discuss the causes, consequences and treatment of qualitative and quantitative defects of platelets. 26. Evaluate, using named examples, where and how therapeutic interventions may be beneficial in thrombotic disorders. 27. Discuss the microbial threats to transfusion safety and the procedures that the

transfusion service takes to avoid their transmission

28. Review the clinical significance and molecular biology of two blood group

systems that give rise to carbohydrate and protein dependent blood group antigens.

29. Describe in detail how blood coagulation involves a biological amplification system which culminates in the formation of a fibrin clot.

30. With reference to the Embden-Meyerhof and associated pathways, compare and contrast the pyruvate kinase (PK) and G6PD deficiencies.