Large unstained cell count

[Suz71]

I have been feeling very tired and unwell for 2 months now. My large unstained cell count was abnormal reading 0.28 10*9L and my doctor says my bloods are fine and large unstained cells mean nothing. Is this right? Only I had invasive renal cancer 11 years ago and looking up the definition of LUC it seems confusing. If these cells are insignificant why take them? LUC readings have been fine over the years but now they’ve shot up.

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Suz71. I don't know anything at all about large unstained cells and it's probably off-topic for this forum.

However, I've done an Internet search and found this:

healthmatters.io/understand...

I’ve also read a research paper which suggested that out of the majority of doctors canvassed, only 2% had any knowledge about large unstained cells!

Based on brief reading, I don't think that large unstained cells 'mean nothing', as your GP suggests. And if yours have been normal for years and have now risen suddenly, then this suggests (at least to me - and I think you too), that this needs investigating. Especially in view of your past medical history...even if only for your own peace of mind 😉

So...do large stained cells 'mean nothing' - I really don't know, but evidence would seem to suggest that they can do (or, as you say, why bother testing them!). The real trick, I think , is interpreting them within a larger medical picture...and your GP may or may not have done this.

Obviously no idea what is going on here but suggest that it would be prudent to re-visit this with...perhaps...a different GP?

If you are still under any specialist care, you could flag it up to them - may be another route to finding answers.

You really need a better explanation about this. One that considers any potential possibility within the context of your medical history, and which provides explanation and clarification that you understand and are happy with.

Good luck. Be interested to hear how you get on 👍

[FlipperTD in reply to Foggyme]

Hi. I write as a retired Chartered Biomedical Scientist with a background in Haematology. Automated haematology analysers have developed considerably since the 1960s. Traditionally, white cells were differentiated into the different cell types using a microscope and 'Romanowsky Stained Blood Film'. With developments in technology, analysers have been able to classify increasingly greater varieties of cell types, with the aim of matching the blood film. The automated systems count much larger numbers than we would at the microscope so are statistically more consistent. However, depending on the technology adopted by the manufacturers, there are some cell types that confound automated description. 'Large, unstained cells' from an automated system are an example of cells that the system can't identify. The traditional approach would be to use an alternative technology [blood film and microscope]. The laboratory where your samples are analysed would be able to help. They may have already done this. I hope this helps!

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to FlipperTD]

Thanks for this FlipperTD. Hopefully Suz71 will return to their GP and get further clarification about what the result may (or may not) 'mean' in terms of their own medical history.

Appreciate the input 👍

[FlipperTD in reply to Foggyme]

Thanks for your feedback.

'LUC's can cover a multitude of sins. Anything from trivial to sinister. [Viral infections to haematological malignancies, and a range of others, and I felt it best not to mention that!] Large, or increasing numbers need to be taken very seriously and identified without delay. Simply reporting 'LUC's to non-specialist medics is probably not generally helpful unless some clarification is provided.

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to FlipperTD]

Yes...I agree entirely! And it's quite disappointing (to put it mildly) how some GP's dismiss what they don't understand without looking further!

I know it's compounded by sometimes speedy advances in technology and science and the pressures medics now work under, but...🤷‍♀️

👍