Q. I have high IG count and low RBC count. What could be the cause?

Hi doctor,

I am a 58-year-old male with a height of 6.3 feet and weight 315 lbs. I had a CBC test done this week. The RBC, HGB, and HCT results were below average. There was an IG, and it was 0.05, and the reference range is 0.00 to 0.003. The IG % was 0.90, and the reference range is 0.00 to 1.00. This is on the upper end of normal. All other CBC results were normal, and the WBC count was 5.8. The RBC count was 4.44, and the reference range is 4.5 to 5.7. The hemoglobin was 13.3, and the reference range is 13.9 to 17.1. Finally, the Hematocrit was 40.6, and the reference range is 40.9 to 49.7.

I have noticed a lot of fatigue; however, I only get four to five hours of sleep daily. My concern with the CBC count is that I might have leukemia because of low RBC count and high IG count. The doctor wants to repeat the test in a few weeks. He stated the low red counts might be due to some hemorrhoids that I have, and sometimes I have excessive bleeding from these. He stated the high IG number is usually related to an infection. I asked him if he thought this could be leukemia, and he said no. He stated that my WBC count would normally be higher than normal for leukemia to be present. I have researched this on the internet, and as you know, there are many different opinions. He did tell me if the count does not return to standard, he would refer me to the GI doctor. I have colonoscopy every five years, and each time they find polyps, but none have been cancerous. My last one was three years back. The current medication I am taking is Gabapentin, Xanax, Glimepiride, and Lisinopril for blood pressure.

Thank you doctor for the reply.

Can you explain why the IG is above normal and the IG percentage is on upper end of normal? Does not this mean immature granulocytes and as I understand that a healthy person should not have these in their blood count. Do you feel that bleeding from hemorrhoids can actually cause the red blood cell count to fall below normal? I had a colonoscopy a little over three years ago and they removed three or polyps, none of which were cancerous although if they were not removed could have developed into cancer at some point. Is it possible to develop colon cancer in three years? I thought it took many years from the onset of polyps, as many as ten years for them to become cancerous. I have always done a colonoscopy every five years or as recommended by the gastroenterologist. I think my concern was the abnormal IG numbers and the low red blood cells, thus my reasoning for possible beginning stages of leukemia. You mentioned no premature cells were found in the CBC. Let me ask this another way. If you had leukemia would the white blood cells be out of the normal range and would other numbers also be out of normal range? If leukemia was present does the lab automatically add another line for premature cells or is the IG number referencing premature cells? Thanks.