Blood and Urine Tests

Haematological and serological tests contribute to making the diagnosis and marking progress of the disease and urinalysis is a useful initial screen to evaluate renal involvement (Table 1).

Table 1 Laboratory Features in Endocarditis[2]
Anaemia 70-90%
Leukocytosis 20-30%
Microscopic haematuria 30-50%
Raised ESR >90%
Rheumatoid factor 50%
Immune complexes 65-100%
Decreased serum complement 5-40%