FRCPath Haematology Part 2: Morphology RBC Morphology Overview Target Cells

Target cells have areas of increased staining resulting from redundant RBC membrane in relation to its cytoplasm (in vivo these are bell-shaped, but flatten on spreading).

Causes:

  • Liver disease
  • Obstructive jaundice
  • Thalassaemias
  • Haemoglobinopathies
  • Sideroblastic anaemia
  • Splenectomy
Target Cell. Peripheral blood film from a patient who had a splenectomy, showing numerous target cells with a characteristic "bullseye" appearance.
Peripheral blood film from a patient who had a splenectomy, showing numerous target cells with a characteristic “bullseye” appearance.
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