Codocyte

Codocyte, also known as target cell, is a type of red blood cell that has the appearance of a shooting target with a bullseye. The name "codocyte" is derived from the Greek words "kodos" meaning "target" and "kytos" meaning "cell".

Etymology

The term "codocyte" is derived from the Greek words "kodos", which means "target", and "kytos", which means "cell". The term is used to describe the appearance of these cells, which resemble a shooting target with a bullseye.

Appearance

Codocytes have a central area of hemoglobinization, or "bullseye", surrounded by a clear zone and then a peripheral ring of hemoglobinization. This appearance is due to an excess of cell membrane relative to cell volume.

Causes

Codocytes can be seen in various conditions including liver diseases, iron deficiency anemia, and thalassemia. In liver diseases, the liver is unable to properly process and remove excess cholesterol from the red blood cell membrane, leading to the formation of codocytes. In iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia, the red blood cells are smaller than normal and the excess membrane forms the characteristic target appearance.

Diagnosis

The presence of codocytes can be identified through a peripheral blood smear test. This test involves taking a sample of the patient's blood and spreading it on a glass slide. The slide is then stained and examined under a microscope. Codocytes will appear as cells with a dark center, clear middle, and dark outer ring.

Treatment

Treatment for codocytes involves addressing the underlying condition causing their formation. This may involve treating liver disease, supplementing iron in cases of iron deficiency anemia, or managing thalassemia through blood transfusions and medications.

See also

• Anisocytosis
• Poikilocytosis
• Echinocyte
• Stomatocyte

Codocyte Resources
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