what are they?  i recently got a copy of my cbc tests from dec 2004
and noticed that there is an asterik next to MID and that at the
bottom of the page it states, next to the asterik, that MID cells may
include less frequently occurring and rare cells correlating to
monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, blasts and other precursor white
cells.  is that a standard statement on blood tests or does it only
pertain to my test results?  my result findings are 0.4 to 5.7% and
under limit it shows in the low range. the normal is 0.0 to 99.9%M. 
also, next to the LYM test it shows 1.8 R1 27.5#L with normal range
0.6 to 3.4 and 10.0 to 50.0% L.  what does the R1 mean and are those
low numbers as well?  i have, in recent months, become very ill with
severe joint pain, swelling and redness that won't go away along with
many other symptoms including purpleish markings or "bruise like"
marks under my skin and sores mostly on my hands and feet, severe
fatigue and malaise.  i have no insurance yet (have applied and been
denied for common ailments).  i just requested my medical file and i
was curious about the results and am not having any luck finding
answers on regular medical websites.  can you help?

Hi Tiki5,
   
  Mid cells are cells that fall in a particular size range. "The
percentage and absolute counts are determined for lymphocytes,
neutrophil, and mid-size population of monocytes, basophils,
eosinophils, blasts, and other immature cells."

This Mid-cell term appears to be a Cell-Dyn proprietary method of
using "mid" cells instead of analyzing each kind of cell. Sort of
tossing all cells of the same size in one bucket, instead of anaylzing
each type. Your reprt was probably done on an inexpensice doctor's
office analyzer. It is fas less expensive to  measure 'Mid" cells than
count each type separately. (Cell-Dyn specializes in low volume
analyzers)

http://www.ohsu.edu/pathology/POC/procedures/pediatriccbc.html


"MID cells may include less frequently occurring and rare cells correlating to
monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, blasts and other precursor white
cells." Relax, this is a typical statement, on all reports. Also, only
blasts are precusor white cells. Monocytes, eosinophils and basophils
are normal cells, found in small amounts. Blasts are never seen in a
healthy person. The problem with the Cel-Dyn analyzer's three part
differential is that it is meant as a screening tool, and does not
actually give well differentiated differential! Were the mid-cells out
of range, your doctor should order a regular CBC with a 5 part
automated differential, along with a manual differential.

Since I am not certain how your blood sample was analyzed, I can;t
explain all the results to you. R1 *MAY* mean the channel used to
measure the cells. From your information, I can't really tell.

If you are having bruise marks and fatigue, I urge you to visit your
doctor and have a complete CBC with 5 part differential and a manual
differentisl. Particular attention to WBC and platelets.

If any part of my answer is unclear, please request an Answer
Clarification, before rating. I wish you good health!

Regards, Crabcakes