Special Hematology questions for the DHA hematology scientist exam.
Special Hematology at the clinical scientist level covers the specialized investigation of hemoglobinopathies, hemolytic anemias, hematological malignancies and bone marrow disorders, using flow cytometry, cytochemistry, cytogenetics and molecular testing. Candidates for this DHA specialist exam are expected to select appropriate investigations, interpret complex results and integrate them into a diagnosis.
Free · no card needed · every answer explained
262
special hematology practice questions
- 21%
- of the exam
- 8
- subtopics
- Oct 2026
- updated
Inside this topic.
The subtopics our special hematology questions cover.
- Leukemia
- PNH
- Flow Cytometry
- RBC Disorders
- Genetics
- MDS
- Hemoglobinopathies
- Sickle Cell
Key facts to remember.
High-yield special hematology points to revise before the exam.
- 1
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is diagnosed by flow cytometry showing loss of GPI-anchored proteins, such as CD55, CD59 and FLAER binding, on red cells, neutrophils and monocytes.
- 2
Acute promyelocytic leukemia with PML::RARA [t(15;17)] is a medical emergency because of its coagulopathy and responds to all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide.
- 3
JAK2 V617F is present in most patients with polycythemia vera and about half of those with essential thrombocythemia or primary myelofibrosis; CALR and MPL mutations explain many JAK2-negative cases.
- 4
The eosin-5'-maleimide (EMA) binding test by flow cytometry shows reduced fluorescence in hereditary spherocytosis and has largely replaced the osmotic fragility test.
- 5
Deletion of three alpha-globin genes causes HbH disease; HbH (beta4) precipitates appear as golf-ball inclusions after incubation with brilliant cresyl blue.
Sample questions with answers.
10 practice questions for the Hematology - Clinical Scientist - DHA Healthcare Professional Licensing (Special Hematology). Pick an answer to see if you're right, with a full explanation.
Question 1
In the osmotic fragility test for Hereditary Spherocytosis, the curve will shift to the:
Question 2
A "Shift to the Left" in the peripheral blood usually refers to an increase in:
Question 3
Which "Molecular Assay" is required to monitor a patient with APL (t15;17) for "Molecular Remission" after treatment with ATRA and Arsenic?
Question 4
An "Apt Test" is performed on a neonate's bloody emesis. The solution remains pink after adding NaOH. What is the interpretation?
Question 5
Which of the following describes the morphology of cells in "Burkitt Lymphoma"?
Question 6
A patient has a high RBC count, high Hemoglobin, and the JAK2 V617F mutation. Erythropoietin (EPO) levels are low. This is:
Question 7
Which 'Hemoglobin' is composed of four Gamma chains ($\gamma_4$) and is associated with 'Alpha-Thalassemia Major' (Hydrops Fetalis)?
Question 8
In "Flow Cytometry," the use of CD45 vs Side Scatter (SSC) is known as:
Question 9
A 60-year-old male has an absolute Lymphocyte count of $15 \times 10^9/L$. Smudge cells are prominent. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Question 10
Which of the following is the most sensitive test for detecting "Intravascular Hemolysis"?
Other topics in this exam.
Questions, answered
Expect questions that combine several results, such as a blood film, HPLC trace, flow cytometry panel or molecular finding, and ask for the most likely diagnosis or the next investigation. Practice working from the clinical context to a short differential, then choose the test that best separates the possibilities. Familiarity with current WHO classification terminology for myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms is helpful.
Learn the lineage markers: CD34 for immature progenitors, MPO, CD13, CD33 and CD117 for myeloid lineage, CD19, CD22 and CD79a for B lineage and cytoplasmic CD3 for T lineage. Know characteristic profiles, such as CLL (CD5 and CD23 positive with weak surface immunoglobulin) and hairy cell leukemia (CD11c, CD25 and CD103 positive). At this level you should also understand how lineage-defining markers are used to diagnose mixed-phenotype acute leukemia.
Ready to practise special hematology?
All 262 special hematology questions, with explanations and a readiness score for this topic.