FRCR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FRCR facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In a bone scan, which radiopharmaceutical is most commonly used? → Technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (MDP)
2. What is the format of the FRCR Physics exam? → Multiple-choice written questions
3. In fluoroscopy, which mode delivers the highest dose rate to the patient? → High-dose-rate (boost/magnification) mode
4. What is the most common abdominal malignancy in children under 5 years of age? → Wilms tumor (nephroblastoma)
5. Which training initiative forms the basis of the FRCR physics notes? → R-ITI e-learning
6. Which radiopharmaceutical is used to image pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma in nuclear medicine? → I-123 or I-131 MIBG (metaiodobenzylguanidine)
7. Which imaging modality is most commonly used for radiation therapy treatment planning? → CT simulation
8. The most appropriate initial imaging for a child with suspected pyloric stenosis is: → Ultrasound
9. What is the Seldinger technique? → Percutaneous vessel access using a needle, guidewire, and catheter sequence
10. A 38-year-old presents with sudden-onset 'thunderclap' headache. Non-contrast CT of the brain is negative. What is the next most appropriate investigation? → Lumbar puncture for xanthochromia
11. In inferior vena cava filter placement, what is the preferred infrarenal placement position? → Below the renal veins to preserve renal vein drainage
12. What is the primary mechanism of radiation-induced DNA damage that leads to cell death? → Double-strand DNA breaks
13. What can the FRCR physics notes be used for other than exam preparation? → Learning about the physics of radiology
14. What is the maximum number of attempts allowed for any FRCR examination? → 6
15. Which radioisotope is used in most nuclear medicine diagnostic studies in the US? → Technetium-99m
16. What is the purpose of added filtration in a diagnostic X-ray tube? → Remove low-energy photons that add dose without contributing to image
17. Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET-CT is the preferred imaging modality for: → Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)
18. A 'superscan' on Tc-99m MDP bone scintigraphy is characterized by: → Diffusely increased skeletal uptake with absent renal and soft tissue activity
19. TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) is indicated for: → Refractory variceal bleeding and refractory ascites
20. Why is lifelong learning important for those holding the FRCR degree? → To stay at the forefront of medical imaging
21. What is the topic covered in the 'basic science' chapter of the FRCR physics notes? → Fundamental principles underlying radiological imaging
22. Which radionuclide therapy is used for differentiated thyroid cancer after thyroidectomy? → Iodine-131 (radioiodine)
23. What is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating a suspected pituitary adenoma? → MRI of the pituitary with gadolinium
24. What is the minimum duration of radiological training needed to be eligible for the FRCR 2B examination? → 34 months
25. Which nuclear medicine study is used to detect Meckel's diverticulum in children? → Tc-99m pertechnetate scan (Meckel's scan)
26. What are the components of the FRCR 2B examination? → Rapid Reporting, Reporting session, Oral examination/Viva
27. In pediatric oncology, which tumor is associated with the 'bag of worms' appearance on ultrasound due to calcifications? → Neuroblastoma
28. Intussusception in children most commonly involves which bowel segment? → Ileocolic junction
29. Absolute contraindication to thrombolysis in acute limb ischemia includes: → Recent stroke within 2 months
30. What does the term 'half-value layer' (HVL) describe in radiology? → Thickness of material reducing beam intensity by 50%