Target Cell
(Codocyte)
Peripheral blood smear, Wright-Giemsa stain, 1000x
Description:
The red cell has a target appearance as a result of an area of hemoglobin staining in the center of the cell surrounded by a rim of palor. The cells are usually hypochromic and may have low, normal, or high MCV.
Pathobiology:
The abnormality is due to an increase in the membrane:red cell volume ratio, and may be due to membrane excess or a decrease in red cell volume.
Differential diagnosis:
- Asplenia
- Thalassemia
- Hemoglobin C, D, E, H, and S diseases
- Hemoglobin SC disease
- Hemoglobin C, E, and S traits
- Liver disease- macrotarget cells are more characteristic
- Iron deficiency
For all publication requests, please complete the image permission form and we will respond to your request shortly.
 |
Charles
E.
Hess,
M.D.,FACP [more information]
Professor of Internal Medicine
|
||||