Codocyte

In the film these cells appear thinner than normal, primarily due to their pallor (by which thickness is judged on microscopy).

When the cells are flattened out on a smear, the top of the bell is pushed to the center creating a central target with a relatively high quantity of hemoglobin.

Target cells may appear in association with the following conditions: In patients with obstructive liver disease, lecithin cholesterol acetyltransferase activity is depressed, which increases the cholesterol-to-phospholipid ratio and produces an absolute increase in the surface area of the red cell membrane.

In contrast, membrane excess is only relative in patients with iron-deficiency anemia and thalassemia because of the reduced quantity of intracellular hemoglobin.

Target cell formation decreases the amount of oxygen that is circulated through the blood and delivered to all areas of the body.