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star wars - What exactly are the Jedi measuring in the Phantom Menace?


In this clip from the Phantom Menace, we see Qui-Gon take a blood sample from Anakin and have Obi-Wan analyze it for midi-chlorians. From there they get this number: Anakin has a midi-chlorian count of over 20,000.



But what does that mean? Are the Jedi measuring midi-chlorian count per unit volume (whatever that unit is), or are they extrapolating from the small blood sample the total count of midi-chlorians in Anakin's body?


Canon answers are preferred, but Legends answers are welcome as well.


A dupe flag was placed on this question linking the question regarding midichlorian counts and body parts. I thoroughly read the linked question and its answers and was not satisfied that this question would count as a dupe. For starters, the linked question is asking about what would happen to a Jedi's powers if they were to lose their limbs. This is quite distinct from a question asking about a specific scene in a specific movie. Two, the accepted answer to that question does not answer this question. Three, the majority of answers on the question were made before the Disney acquisition and are therefore based on Legends materials. While I did open up to Legends answers, I am primarily seeking Disney Canon answers. Finally, the best answer that does answer this question is based on out-of-universe Word of God (also before Disneyfication) and then extrapolates a conclusion based on that statement. Not quite the level of evidence that I am looking for.




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