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Free Practice Questions for SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician

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Key Facts: SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician Exam

150

Official MCQ count

SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician Blueprint 2026

3 hours

Official exam duration

SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician Blueprint 2026

55%

Technician passing score

SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician Blueprint 2026

20%

Largest section: Pathology & Pharmacology

SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician Blueprint 2026

9

Weighted blueprint sections

SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician Blueprint 2026

Prometric

Delivery provider

Prometric SCFHS Examination Portal

The SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician examination is the official Saudi classification test for cardiac perfusion technicians operating extracorporeal circulation equipment. Published blueprint specifications mandate 150 MCQs over a 3-hour Prometric testing window with a 55% passing score. The curriculum spans nine core areas with the heaviest emphasis on Pathology and Pharmacology (20%), Special Patient Groups (18%), Adverse Events and Failures (15%), Anatomy and Physiology (13%), and Cardiopulmonary Bypass (10%).

Sample SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 99+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which anatomical structure determines coronary artery dominance in the human heart?
A.The origin of the posterior descending artery (PDA)
B.The origin of the acute marginal branch
C.The diameter of the left anterior descending artery
D.The branching pattern of the obtuse marginal branches
Explanation: Coronary dominance is clinically defined by which coronary artery gives rise to the posterior descending artery (PDA), which supplies the posterior third of the interventricular septum. In approximately 85% of individuals, the PDA arises from the right coronary artery (right-dominant), while in approximately 10% it arises from the circumflex artery (left-dominant), and in 5% it receives branches from both (codominant).
2Where are the normal ostia of the coronary arteries anatomically located?
A.In the muscular wall of the left ventricular outflow tract
B.Directly along the fibrous free margins of the aortic cusps
C.Within the non-coronary sinus of the aortic root
D.In the right and left aortic sinuses, just above the leaflets
Explanation: The right and left coronary ostia typically arise from the upper portion of the right and left aortic sinuses of Valsalva, respectively, just above the level of the aortic valve leaflet attachment. The non-coronary sinus normally lacks a coronary branch.
3According to the arterial oxygen content (CaO2) equation, what is the primary determinant of oxygen carried in arterial blood?
A.Hemoglobin concentration and oxyhemoglobin saturation
B.Dissolved oxygen measured directly by PaO2
C.The alveolar-arterial oxygen tension gradient
D.The arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2)
Explanation: The formula for arterial oxygen content is CaO2 = (1.34 x Hb x SaO2) + (0.003 x PaO2). Because each gram of fully saturated hemoglobin binds approximately 1.34 mL of oxygen, bound hemoglobin carries over 98% of total oxygen in normal blood, making hemoglobin concentration and saturation the primary determinants.
4Which vessel provides the primary arterial blood supply to the sinoatrial (SA) node in the majority of patients?
A.Obtuse marginal branch of the circumflex artery
B.First septal perforator of the left anterior descending artery
C.Sinoatrial nodal branch of the right coronary artery
D.Conus branch of the left main coronary artery
Explanation: The sinoatrial (SA) nodal artery arises from the right coronary artery in approximately 60% of individuals and from the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery in approximately 40%. The atrioventricular (AV) nodal artery arises from the right coronary artery in 85-90% of individuals.
5During total cardiopulmonary bypass with aortic cross-clamping, persistent blood return into the left ventricle primarily originates from which vascular bed?
A.Bronchial arterial circulation returning via pulmonary veins
B.Coronary sinus retrograde drainage through the thebesian veins
C.Internal mammary artery collateral branches to the diaphragm
D.Hepatic portal venous communications
Explanation: Bronchial arteries arise from the descending thoracic aorta and provide systemic arterial flow to the tracheobronchial tree. Most of this bronchial blood drains into pulmonary veins, which empty directly into the left atrium and left ventricle, creating non-coronary collateral return that must be scavenged or decompressed with an LV vent.
6How does acute crystalloid hemodilution upon initiating cardiopulmonary bypass alter Starling forces across systemic capillary beds?
A.Increases interstitial oncotic pressure, reversing the direction of lymphatic drainage
B.Increases capillary oncotic pressure, drawing interstitial fluid into the vascular lumen
C.Decreases capillary hydrostatic pressure to zero, halting all transvascular fluid movement
D.Decreases plasma colloid osmotic pressure, favoring fluid extravasation into the interstitial space
Explanation: Crystalloid priming solutions dilute circulating plasma proteins, reducing plasma albumin concentration and colloid osmotic pressure (COP) from a normal 25 mmHg down to 12-16 mmHg. According to Starling's equation, this drop in intravascular COP reduces the inward reabsorptive force, shifting the net filtration balance toward interstitial edema formation.
7Under normal physiological conditions and normothermia, within what range of mean arterial pressure (MAP) does cerebral blood flow autoregulation operate in an adult?
A.50 to 150 mmHg
B.20 to 60 mmHg
C.80 to 200 mmHg
D.100 to 180 mmHg
Explanation: Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is autoregulated to remain relatively constant (approximately 50 mL/100g/min) across a mean arterial pressure range of 50 to 150 mmHg in normotensive adults. Below 50 mmHg, CBF becomes pressure-passive and cerebral ischemia may ensue; above 150 mmHg, breakthrough hyperperfusion and edema can occur.
8What is the primary physiological consequence of sustained non-pulsatile perfusion at low mean arterial pressure (< 50 mmHg) on renal glomerular filtration during CPB?
A.Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis with massive osmotic diuresis
B.Efferent arteriolar dilation producing a compensatory increase in filtration fraction
C.A pressure-passive fall in glomerular capillary pressure that reduces GFR
D.Immediate irreversible tubular necrosis within five minutes of bypass onset
Explanation: Renal autoregulation maintains renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between mean arterial pressures of 75-80 and 160 mmHg. When MAP drops below the autoregulatory threshold during CPB, afferent arteriolar vasodilation maxes out and renal perfusion becomes pressure-dependent, resulting in diminished glomerular capillary pressure, decreased GFR, and increased risk of acute kidney injury.
9Which set of physiological factors causes a rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve?
A.Increased PaCO2, decreased pH, elevated temperature, and increased 2,3-DPG
B.Decreased PaCO2, increased pH, hypothermia, and decreased 2,3-DPG
C.Severe hypothermia, alkalemia, hypocapnia, and carbon monoxide presence
D.Hemodilution, methemoglobinemia, hyperventilation, and reduced hydrogen ions
Explanation: A rightward shift of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve (increased P50) facilitates oxygen unloading to peripheral tissues. This occurs in response to acidosis (increased H+), hypercapnia (Bohr effect), hyperthermia, and elevated 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG).
10What are the three primary clinical determinants of myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) in the beating heart?
A.Cardiac index, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, and serum potassium
B.Coronary perfusion pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, and body temperature
C.Stroke volume, hematocrit, and systemic vascular resistance
D.Heart rate, myocardial wall tension, and myocardial contractility (inotropic state)
Explanation: The three major physiological determinants of myocardial oxygen demand (MVO2) are heart rate, peak systolic wall tension (governed by Laplace's law: pressure x radius / wall thickness), and contractility. Electromechanical cardiac arrest induced by cardioplegia eliminates active tension development and contractility, reducing MVO2 by 85-90%.

About the SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician Exam

This resource is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation created by OpenExamPrep for candidates preparing for the Saudi Classification Examination - Cardiac Perfusion Technician. SCFHS lists the Cardiac Perfusion Technician exam on its Classification Exams page, which books candidates through Prometric, and links the 2026 blueprint. The blueprint specifies 150 MCQs in 3 hours with a Technician passing score of 55%, across anatomy and physiology, pathology and pharmacology, lab analysis, devices and equipment, adverse events and failures, cardiopulmonary bypass, ECMO, ventricular assist devices, and special patient groups. OpenExamPrep is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, approved by, or sponsored by SCFHS or Prometric.

Exam sponsor: Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS), administered through Prometric test centers. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The official SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician blueprint lists a 150-MCQ, 3-hour computer-based exam covering nine weighted content sections: Anatomy and Physiology 13%, Pathology and Pharmacology 20%, Lab Analysis 5%, Devices and Equipment 7%, Adverse Events and Failures 15%, Cardiopulmonary Bypass 10%, Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation 7%, Ventricular Assist Device 5%, and Special Patient Groups 18%.

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

55%

Exam / Certification Fees

Not published by SCFHS

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. No official candidate pass-rate data for the Cardiac Perfusion Technician classification exam is published by SCFHS. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

13%

Anatomy and Physiology

Cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and cerebral anatomy; coronary circulation, microcirculation, gas transport, and perfusion physiology.

20%

Pathology and Pharmacology

Cardiovascular disease pathology, heparin anticoagulation, protamine reversal, cardioplegic solutions, inotropes, vasopressors, and antifibrinolytics.

5%

Lab Analysis

Blood gas interpretation, acid-base balance, ACT, TEG/ROTEM coagulation monitoring, electrolytes, hematocrit, and blood lactate trends.

7%

Devices and Equipment

Roller and centrifugal blood pumps, membrane oxygenators, heat exchangers, cardiotomy reservoirs, cannulae, filters, and safety sensors.

15%

Adverse Events and Failures

Arterial air embolism, power or mechanical failure, oxygenator failure, arterial dissection, line separation, and acute emergency protocols.

10%

Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Circuit priming, initiation, maintenance, flow calculations, hypothermia management, myocardial protection, and weaning from CPB.

7%

Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Veno-arterial (VA) and veno-venous (VV) ECMO indications, circuit configurations, cannulation, sweep gas management, and troubleshooting.

5%

Ventricular Assist Device

LVAD, RVAD, and BiVAD mechanics, microaxial pumps, preload and afterload sensitivity, cannula positioning, and anticoagulation.

18%

Special Patient Groups

Pediatric and neonatal perfusion, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, pregnant patients, cold agglutinins, bloodless surgery, and redo sternotomy.

Preparing for the SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 55%
  • Assessment: The official SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician blueprint lists a 150-MCQ, 3-hour computer-based exam covering nine weighted content sections: Anatomy and Physiology 13%, Pathology and Pharmacology 20%, Lab Analysis 5%, Devices and Equipment 7%, Adverse Events and Failures 15%, Cardiopulmonary Bypass 10%, Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation 7%, Ventricular Assist Device 5%, and Special Patient Groups 18%.
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: Not published by SCFHS Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 99 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
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SCFHS Cardiac Perfusion Technician: Suggested Study Strategy

1Review the nine blueprint sections according to their relative weights, prioritizing Pathology and Pharmacology (20%), Special Patient Groups (18%), and Adverse Events and Failures (15%).
2Master emergency bypass protocols, including immediate corrective actions for arterial air emboli, pump failures, oxygenator clotting, and aortic dissections.
3Understand the pharmacology and monitoring of heparin, protamine reversal, antifibrinolytics, and various cardioplegic formulations such as Del Nido and blood cardioplegia.
4Practice blood gas and coagulation interpretations under both alpha-stat and pH-stat temperature management regimens.
5Familiarize yourself with mechanical circulatory support principles, including VA and VV ECMO configurations, cannulation, and continuous-flow LVAD management.
6Pace your practice to complete approximately 50 questions per hour, matching the Prometric rate of 150 questions in 180 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official title of the SCFHS cardiac perfusion exam?

The 2026 blueprint is titled Saudi Classification Examination - Cardiac Perfusion Technician, and SCFHS lists it on its Classification Exams page as the Cardiac Perfusion Technician exam.

How many questions are on the official examination and what is the time limit?

The SCFHS 2026 blueprint specifies 150 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours. Section weights may vary by up to 5 percentage points on a given form.

What is the passing score for the Cardiac Perfusion Technician exam?

The passing score established by SCFHS for the Cardiac Perfusion Technician classification is 55%.

What topics are covered on the exam?

The blueprint covers nine weighted areas: Pathology and Pharmacology (20%), Special Patient Groups (18%), Adverse Events and Failures (15%), Anatomy and Physiology (13%), Cardiopulmonary Bypass (10%), Devices and Equipment (7%), ECMO (7%), Lab Analysis (5%), and Ventricular Assist Devices (5%).

How much does the exam cost?

SCFHS does not publish an exam fee on its Classification Exams page or in the blueprint. Check the current charges in Mumaris+ and when booking with Prometric.

Where is the examination administered and when are results released?

SCFHS sends classification exam candidates to the Prometric website to book a test center appointment. Prometric states that SCFHS exam results are posted in the SCFHS electronic portal within 7-10 working days.