Codocytes, also referred to as target cells can be observed on the peripheral blood smear from a patient with sickle cell trait (HbSA), as indicated by the arrows in the image on the right. Codocytes are cells that can be seen in hemoglobinopathies, thalassemia, iron deficiency, and other anemias where there is a decrease in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC).
Sickle cell trait will not usually show completely sickled cells because of the HbA that is present in each cell. HbA usually comprises greater than 60% of the hemoglobin in HbSA.
However, rare drepanocytes (sickle cells) and occlusive crisis may be found during times of extreme exercise and fluid restriction.
