CBC Biomarker
Collection Type: Blood
Related System: CBC
Absolute immature granulocytes (IG#) measures the number of early neutrophil-lineage cells (promyelocytes, myelocytes, metamyelocytes) circulating in peripheral blood. It is reported as an absolute count and reflects bone marrow release of immature granulocytes during increased demand or disrupted maturation. Raised IG# commonly suggests bacterial infection, systemic inflammation, stress response, sepsis, or a myeloproliferative process; very high values can be seen in leukemoid reactions or acute leukemia. Symptoms that prompt testing include fever, rapid heart rate, hypotension, severe malaise, or other signs of infection. Neonates and recovering bone marrow after chemotherapy may have different baseline values; age and sex have minimal effects in adults.
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Symptom Checker0.00-0.06 x10^9/L OR 0-60 cells/µL
Q: What does it mean if your immature granulocytes are high?
A: High immature granulocytes, early stage neutrophil precursors, usually mean bone marrow is releasing young cells because of acute infection, inflammation, stress or severe bacterial sepsis. They may also rise after steroid use, bleeding, or with bone marrow disorders. Elevated levels indicate a systemic response and require clinical correlation, repeat blood tests, and further evaluation by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause.
Q: What does high abs mean in a blood test?
A: “High ABS” on a CBC means the absolute number (not just percentage) of a specific white blood cell is above the reference range. Causes vary by cell type: infections or inflammation raise neutrophils, allergies or parasites raise eosinophils, and chronic disease, medications, smoking or bone‑marrow disorders can also elevate counts. Discuss results with your clinician for repeat testing and targeted evaluation.
Q: How to lower absolute immature granulocytes?
A: Lowering elevated absolute immature granulocytes requires treating the underlying cause. Manage infections promptly (appropriate antibiotics/antivirals), control inflammation, stop or change medications that suppress bone marrow, and address hematologic disorders with specialist care. Supportive measures include rest, good hydration, balanced nutrition, stress reduction, and avoiding alcohol or smoking. Repeat blood tests and follow up with your physician for diagnosis and tailored therapy.
Q: What cancer causes high immature granulocytes?
A: High immature granulocytes (a left shift) are most commonly caused by myeloid cancers—particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms also produce immature granulocytes. Less commonly, solid tumors with bone marrow involvement or severe infection/inflammation can cause increases. Evaluation includes CBC with differential, peripheral smear, bone marrow biopsy and molecular testing.
Q: Does pregnancy cause high immature granulocytes?
A: Pregnancy causes physiologic increases in white blood cells, mainly neutrophils; a small rise in immature granulocytes can occur, especially in late pregnancy or labor. However, marked elevations of immature granulocytes are not typical and usually indicate infection, inflammation, or other pathology. Any significant or persistent increase should be evaluated by a healthcare provider for underlying causes.
Q: Can stress cause high granulocytes?
A: Yes. Acute physical or psychological stress can raise granulocyte counts—especially neutrophils—by causing demargination and bone-marrow release driven by adrenaline and cortisol. Steroid use and severe illness also increase neutrophils. Chronic stress alters immune balance and may shift leukocyte patterns, but persistent high granulocytes usually warrants evaluation for infection, inflammation, medications, or hematologic causes.