What are immature granulocyte?

Immature granulocytes (IGs) are a type of white blood cell that are precursors to mature granulocytes, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. They are typically found in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream during instances of infection, inflammation, or other stressors on the immune system. Elevated levels of immature granulocytes can indicate an ongoing infection or an inflammatory response, making them a useful marker in clinical diagnostics. Their presence is often assessed through a complete blood count (CBC) with a differential.