Target cells are also known as

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Target cells have an increased surface area relative to their volume, giving a bullseye appearance on the smear. Because of this distinctive look, they are described by several names. Codocyte is the standard hematology term for the target cell, while leptocyte is a broader category that includes cells with more membrane relative to cytoplasm, of which the target cell is a subtype. The same morphology has been called bullseye cell, Mexican hat cell, Greek helmet cell, and platycyte in different texts. So all these terms refer to the same red blood cell shape. Stomatocytes are a different variant, with a mouth-like slit, and are not target cells. Target cells commonly appear in liver disease, thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies, and after splenectomy, among other conditions.