What Does The Following CBC Report Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 15 Jun 2017

Question: Hi, my recent cbc showed immature granulocytes absolute as being 0.02. Normal is greater than 0.01. The rest of my CBC was completely normal. I have no other symptoms, and I do not have any infections. My GP said not to worry, but I have read this could be a sign of Leukemia. I am a 28 year old male. Is this something i should worry about?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. There is nothing to worry about

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I have gone through the details. So a mild shift towards immature granulocytes doesnot mean leukemia and this can happen with any stress or occult self limited infections. You can get a repeat blood work done but again it will be normal. You are perfect and no need to worry.
Thanks and regards
Feel free to ask further

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (26 minutes later)

hello. I do not have any infections though. how often do you see 0.02 absolute immature granulocytes in normal people with no infection?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. It is a common phenomenon

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear.

As I said earlier, an occult infection which doesn't cause any symptoms is self-limiting in nature. It can cause immature granulocytes to rise and it's a common phenomenon. Hence you do not feel like any infection.

Feel free to ask further.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (17 minutes later)

thank you. a few more quick questions.

1. at what level would you consider immature granulocytes absolute to be abnormal? mine was 0.02.

2. if I did have leukemia, would it present with just elevated immature granulocytes or would there also be other abnormalities in my complete blood count

3.if so, what abnormalities would you look for?

thank you again.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. There should be other abnormalities too

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

The mere presence of immature granulocytes even if high in number doesn't qualify for leukemia.

It should have other pieces of evidence like atypical cells called blasts, low platelets, anemia etc.

Don't worry
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (27 minutes later)

ok thank you. final question...would you recommend a follow up blood work based just one the high granulocytes or should I just leave it be? also ( I don't think you answered this one) what would be a a worrisome immature granulocyte absolute level? mine is 0.02. how much higher would be worrisome?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dear, I do not recommend any re-testing in your case, yes you can leave it aside and move on

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

We take a count of more than 2 percent as high. Since you do not have any symptoms, I won't recommend any repeat test at all.

Hope this clear now.
Thanks and regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee