This article was written in 2016. However, the suggested documents are still very much relevant. Some subjects and links have been updated and new links to replace broken links.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the resources that I used in preparation for FRCPath part 2, April 2016 Bristol. One of the most useful things to do is speak to anyone you know who has already sat the exam and ask for all their past questions and tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/collections\/standards-for-microbiology-investigations-smi<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Quite time-consuming, but I suggest reading all of the SMIs. I printed the flow charts from the identification section to put in my practical folder. I would suggest learning by heart the 2 SMIs under the protocol section, which covers the identification of ESBLs and CPEs as there were lots of questions and spotters on these topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, don\u2019t forget to read the quality-related guidance; you can pick up useful information to include the essay question if it is anything about a laboratory service. In my exam, one of the groups of 4 short notes was all about laboratory quality assurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look out for new SMIs; for example, in the autumn 2015 exam, there were questions relating to the new ectoparasite SMI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n http:\/\/jac.oxfordjournals.org\/content\/67\/2\/269.full.pdf+html<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n I would suggest printing out the BSAC endocarditis guidelines for the lab folder. If one of the cases is about endocarditis, you will have the guidelines to refer to for treatment advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1zNsUFJLNH7DrgTTQg7O6VUYa3qZrSslX\/preview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/www.ilexmedical.com\/files\/ETEST_RG.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Useful picture guide to interpreting etests for bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1yG1GKQlIueqAliWz3tAHS3bIEhL-zZdG\/preview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Green Book!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggest reading this a few times. The virology paper is only an hour-long, but the questions were all very specific questions that you either knew or didn\u2019t; for example, we had to give dosing schedules for Hepatitis B and rabies and specific regimen for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. Thankfully, we didn\u2019t get any questions about the new Hepatitis C drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/nhsbtdbe.blob.core.windows.net\/\u2026\/hev-flowchart-for-laboratory-final_v11.ppt<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Screening for Hepatitis E in blood products is a topical issue that we got asked about in the virology paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This document is not available any more but you should read this instead – https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/collections\/zika-virus-zikv-clinical-and-travel-guidance<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure to read all the latest guidance on the PHE website about the Zika virus; this is very topical, so likely to come up in the next exam. We had to write a short note on the laboratory diagnosis of the Zika virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zika is less relevant now, but you should read topics those are relevant now – http:\/\/thunderhouse4-yuri.blogspot.co.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A Canadian microbiologist\u2019s blog. It has some really great photos of fungi, very useful for familiarising yourself with organisms for spotters and practical. I printed quite a few out and stuck them around the house; after seeing them every day, I felt confident at quickly recognising organisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He has retired now, and sadly not updating the website anymore. However, the impressive list of fungus, parasites and bacteria, with the pictures are worth a look. Do not miss it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Website set up by the University of Adelaide – lots of useful mycology information; the mould virtual assessment section is particularly good for testing yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/a>Virology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/em>https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/blood-tissue-and-organ-donors-surveillance-schemes<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
COVID-19, monkeypox, Avian influenza etc.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/a>Mycology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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