- Knowledge of normal adult values for Hb, haematocrit, platelet and white cell counts
- Haemoglobin as the key component
- Erythropoietin (EPO) as the renally-produced stimulant to production
- Role of red marrow and spleen in production and sequestration
- Appreciation of their key role in immunity and defence against infection
- Albumin as a key binding protein and the major contributor to oncotic pressure
- Role following vessel wall damage
- Importance of release of 5-HT and thromboxane A2 in haemostasis
- Fibrin and thrombin’s role in coagulation → natural anticoagulants and fibrinolysis
- Detailed knowledge of the coagulation cascade is NOT required