Target cells are pathognomonic for which microcytic anemia?

Target cells are pathognomonic for which microcytic anemia?

• A. Iron deficiency anemia
• B. Sideroblastic anemia
• C. Anemia of chronic disease
• D. Thalassemias

Answer: (D)

Target cells, or codocytes, arise when red blood cells have more membrane surface relative to hemoglobin content, giving a bullseye appearance on the smear. In thalassemias, there is an imbalance in globin chain synthesis that reduces hemoglobin within the cell while the membrane remains relatively abundant, producing these membrane-rich, flattened cells. This microcytic anemia context is where target cells are most characteristically associated, making thalassemias the best fit. While target cells can appear with other conditions such as liver disease or HbC disease, their presence alongside microcytosis most strongly points to thalassemias.

Target cells, or codocytes, arise when red blood cells have more membrane surface relative to hemoglobin content, giving a bullseye appearance on the smear. In thalassemias, there is an imbalance in globin chain synthesis that reduces hemoglobin within the cell while the membrane remains relatively abundant, producing these membrane-rich, flattened cells. This microcytic anemia context is where target cells are most characteristically associated, making thalassemias the best fit. While target cells can appear with other conditions such as liver disease or HbC disease, their presence alongside microcytosis most strongly points to thalassemias.