What Are Target Cells?
The term “target cells” is used in several different ways within the fields of hematology, immunology, and endocrinology. Usually, the specific meaning is clear from the context, as the cells treated as target cells in these fields are very different. Understanding how the various types of target cells work and what they mean can be useful for patients who want to know more about their medical conditions. In the case of hematology, a target cell is a type of red blood cell which has developed a bulls-eye appearance, as a result of thickening sides and a narrowing middle. In a blood sample, the cells literally look like little targets floating around, which explains the name. In healthy individuals, target cells should not be present. These cells indicate that someone is suffering from anemia or a condition like liver failure or thalassemia. Also known as codocytes, these target cells can be identified during routine bloodwork, in which a sample of blood is taken from a patient and run
