Target cell (codocyte)
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Target cells, also known as codocytes, have the appearance of a target with a bullseye. Such cells are thin and have a disproportional increase in the surface membrane area to volume ratio. This increased ratio may result from an increase in membrane surface area or a decrease in hemoglobin content. Morphologically, target cells have a central, hemoglobinized area surrounded by an area of pallor. The periphery of the cell contains a band of hemoglobin. Target cells may appear in association with the following conditions:
- Liver disease
- Iron deficiency
- Post-splenectomy
- Decreased lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase activity
- Thalassemia (hemoglobinopathy)
- Hemoglobin C Disease
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