Urgent Investigation in Suspected Infective Endocarditis
- Blood culture (3 sets drawn 2–4h apart) (unless critically ill in which case take two sets 30–60 min apart)
- Full blood count
- C-reactive protein
- Blood glucose
- Sodium, potassium, creatinine, liver function tests
- Urine stick test, microscopy and culture
- ECG (looking for lengthening of the PR interval as a sign of possible aortic root abscess)
- Chest radiograph
- Consider echocardiography (see Table 52.5)
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