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100+ Free Cert Clin Haematology(SA) Path Practice Questions
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2026 Statistics
Key Facts: Cert Clin Haematology(SA) Path Exam
2 components
Written + oral/OSCE
CMSA Regulations
50% each
Subminimum per component
CMSA Regulations
R24,650
Examination Fee
CMSA SS2026/FS2027 Fee Schedule
50% overall
Pass Mark
CMSA Regulations
College of Pathologists
CMSA College
CMSA South Africa
The Cert Clin Haematology(SA) Path is a two-component sub-specialty exit examination (written short-answer papers plus an oral/OSCE/clinical component, each 50%) evaluating advanced diagnostic haematopathology, molecular genetics, haemostasis, and blood banking for specialist pathologists in South Africa.
Sample Cert Clin Haematology(SA) Path Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Cert Clin Haematology(SA) Path exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A peripheral blood film from an adult presenting with severe anemia and jaundice demonstrates numerous schistocytes, helmet cells, and polychromasia. What is the minimum percentage of schistocytes required on blood film examination to support a clinical diagnosis of Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia (MAHA)?
A.> 0.1%
B.> 1.0%
C.> 5.0%
D.> 10.0%
Explanation: According to ICSH (International Council for Standardization in Haematology) recommendations, a schistocyte threshold of > 1.0% on peripheral blood film examination is a robust diagnostic marker for Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia (MAHA), such as Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) or Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), in adults (normal healthy controls have < 0.2-0.5%).
2In a bone marrow aspirate stain evaluated for myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS), ring sideroblasts are identified using Prussian blue (Perls') reaction. How are ring sideroblasts strictly defined morphologically?
A.Erythroblasts with coarse basophilic stippling visible on Romanowsky staining
B.Erythroblasts containing > 10 cytoplasmic ferritin aggregates scattered randomly
C.Erythroblasts with any visible perinuclear iron deposit regardless of count
D.Erythroblasts with 5 or more iron granules encircling at least one-third (120 degrees) of the nucleus
Explanation: Ring sideroblasts are defined by ICSH and WHO criteria as erythroid precursors containing 5 or more siderotic granules encircling at least one-third (120 degrees) of the nuclear circumference, reflecting mitochondrial iron accumulation in the heme synthesis pathway.
3Which cytochemical stain pattern is classic for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with PML-RARA fusion?
A.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) strongly positive
B.Strongly, diffusely Myeloperoxidase (MPO) positive and Sudan Black B (SBB) positive
C.Nonspecific esterase (NSE) strongly positive and completely inhibited by sodium fluoride
D.Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive in a block-like cytoplasmic pattern
Explanation: APL blasts (promyelocytes) contain intense azurophilic primary granules packed with myeloperoxidase, resulting in intense, diffuse MPO and Sudan Black B positivity. Auer rods are also intensely MPO-positive.
4On a bone marrow aspirate, giant metamyelocytes, hypersegmented neutrophils, and nuclear-cytoplasmic asynchronous erythroid precursors (Megaloblasts) are observed. Which nutritional deficiency is most strongly associated with these morphological findings?
A.Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) deficiency
B.Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) or Folate deficiency
C.Copper deficiency
D.Iron deficiency
Explanation: Deficiency of Vitamin B12 or Folate impairs DNA synthesis (thymidylate synthesis), leading to nuclear-cytoplasmic asynchrony (megaloblastic erythropoiesis, giant metamyelocytes, and hypersegmented neutrophils with >= 6 lobes).
5Flow cytometric analysis of a bone marrow aspirate demonstrates an abnormal blast population expressing CD34, HLA-DR, CD117, CD13, and CD33, but negative for CD3, CD19, CD20, and MPO. What lineage assignment is established by CD117 and CD13/CD33 expression?
A.Plasmacytoid dendritic cell lineage
B.Myeloid lineage
C.T-lymphoid lineage
D.B-lymphoid lineage
Explanation: CD117 (c-kit), along with CD13 and CD33, is a key myeloid progenitor marker confirming myeloid lineage commitment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
6Which inclusion in red blood cells consists of denatured, aggregated hemoglobin precipitates visible on supra-vital stains such as Brilliant Cresyl Blue or New Methylene Blue?
A.Pappenheimer bodies
B.Howell-Jolly bodies
C.Heinz bodies
D.Cabot rings
Explanation: Heinz bodies are denatured hemoglobin precipitates formed under oxidative stress (e.g., G6PD deficiency, unstable hemoglobins). They are invisible on routine Romanowsky stains but readily visualized using supravital stains.
7A peripheral blood film shows neutrophil granulocytes with bilobed nuclei connected by a thin chromatin filament ('dumbbell' or 'pince-nez' appearance) across > 80% of neutrophils. The patient has no hematological complaints. What is the most likely entity?
A.Chediak-Higashi syndrome
B.Pelger-Huët Anomaly (Hereditary)
C.Alder-Reilly anomaly
D.Pseudo-Pelger-Huët anomaly (Acquired MDS)
Explanation: Hereditary Pelger-Huët anomaly is an autosomal dominant condition caused by LBR gene mutations resulting in bilobed, hypocondensed neutrophil nuclei across almost all neutrophils without dysplastic cytopenias.
8In Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) diagnostic flow cytometry, which combination of GPI-anchored proteins on neutrophils/monocytes is standardly analyzed alongside FLAER?
A.CD41 and CD61
B.CD3 and CD4
C.CD19 and CD20
D.CD24 and CD66b (granulocytes) / CD14 and CD64 (monocytes)
Explanation: High-sensitivity PNH flow cytometry utilizes FLAER (fluorescent aerolysin which binds directly to the GPI anchor) in combination with GPI-anchored antibodies such as CD24/CD66b for granulocytes and CD14/CD64 for monocytes.
9Which bone marrow aspirate cytochemical stain is uniquely positive in Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) and resistant to inhibition by tartaric acid?
A.Myeloperoxidase (MPO)
B.Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)
C.Acid Phosphatase (TRAP)
D.Leukocyte Alkaline Phosphatase (LAP)
Explanation: Hairy cells express abundant isoenzyme 5 of acid phosphatase, which retains enzymatic activity in the presence of L-(+)-tartaric acid, yielding a strongly positive TRAP stain.
10An automated blood analyzer flags an elevated mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC > 360 g/L). Examination of the blood film reveals dense, spherical red cells lacking central pallor. What is the diagnosis?
A.Iron Deficiency Anemia
B.Beta Thalassemia Trait
C.Hereditary Elliptocytosis
D.Hereditary Spherocytosis
Explanation: Hereditary Spherocytosis is characterized by membrane loss (spectrin/ankyrin/band 3 defect), producing dense microspherocytes with reduced surface-area-to-volume ratio and high MCHC (> 360 g/L).
About the Cert Clin Haematology(SA) Path Practice Questions
Verified exam format metadata for CMSA Sub-specialty Certificate in Clinical Haematology (Pathology) is pending. The practice questions above remain available while official exam length, timing, passing score, fee, and administrator details are reviewed.