Question 1

What is Endocarditis?

Accepted Answer

Endocarditis is a serious infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. It is caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, or Enterococcus species that enter the bloodstream and attach to damaged heart tissue. The Blood Culture test is the most important test for diagnosis because it identifies the specific microorganism causing the infection.

Question 2

What causes endocarditis?

Accepted Answer

Endocarditis is caused by bacteria or fungi that enter your bloodstream and attach to the inner lining of your heart. The most common bacterial culprits include Staphylococcus aureus (a common skin bacterium), Streptococcus viridans (found in your mouth), and Enterococcus species (from your intestinal tract). These microorganisms typically enter your bloodstream through dental procedures, skin infections, contaminated needles, or invasive medical procedures. People with damaged heart valves, artificial heart valves, or congenital heart defects are especially vulnerable because bacteria can more easily attach to abnormal heart tissue.

Question 3

What is the best test for endocarditis?

Accepted Answer

The Blood Culture test is the most important test for endocarditis because it detects and identifies the specific bacteria or fungi circulating in your bloodstream that are causing the heart infection. This test involves drawing blood samples at different times to catch the microorganisms during their release into your bloodstream. Healthcare providers typically order multiple blood cultures (usually 3 sets taken from different sites) to increase the likelihood of detecting the causative pathogen. Identifying the exact organism is essential because it determines which antibiotics will be most effective for treatment. Without this test, doctors cannot know which medication will successfully fight your infection.

Question 4

When should I get tested for endocarditis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you develop a persistent fever (especially above 100.4°F) combined with symptoms like unexplained fatigue, night sweats, or a new heart murmur. Testing is particularly urgent if you have risk factors such as a history of heart valve problems, artificial heart valves, congenital heart disease, or recent dental work or surgery. You should also seek immediate testing if you notice signs like small red or purple spots on your skin, painful red nodes on your fingers or toes, or sudden shortness of breath. Anyone who uses intravenous drugs or has a weakened immune system should get tested promptly when fever or flu-like symptoms develop.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of endocarditis?

Accepted Answer

Endocarditis symptoms often develop gradually and can mimic the flu, making early diagnosis challenging. You might experience persistent fever and chills, extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Physical signs include a new or changed heart murmur, small red or purple spots on your skin or whites of your eyes (petechiae), painful red or purple nodes on your fingers or toes (Osler nodes), and painless red spots on your palms or soles (Janeway lesions). Some people develop swelling in their feet, legs, or abdomen, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough. If you notice any combination of these symptoms, especially with risk factors for heart infection, seek medical attention promptly.

Question 6

Who is at risk for endocarditis?

Accepted Answer

People with pre-existing heart conditions face the highest risk for endocarditis, including those with damaged heart valves, artificial heart valves, congenital heart defects, or a history of previous endocarditis. Your risk increases significantly if you use intravenous drugs, have a central venous catheter, or have recently undergone invasive medical or dental procedures. People with weakened immune systems from conditions like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or cancer treatment are more vulnerable to infection. Older adults over age 60 are also at increased risk because age-related heart changes and accumulated dental problems create more opportunities for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and attach to heart tissue.

Question 7

What happens if endocarditis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated endocarditis can lead to life-threatening complications as the infection damages your heart valves and spreads throughout your body. The infection can destroy heart valve tissue, causing heart failure where your heart cannot pump blood effectively to meet your body's needs. Infected material can break off and travel through your bloodstream, causing strokes when it blocks brain arteries, kidney failure, lung abscesses, or infections in other organs. The infection can also spread to the heart muscle itself or create pockets of infection (abscesses) around the heart valves. Without treatment, endocarditis is almost always fatal, but with prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy, most people recover successfully.

Question 8

Can endocarditis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are essential for diagnosing endocarditis, with blood cultures being the primary diagnostic tool. Blood cultures detect and identify the specific bacteria or fungi causing the infection by growing microorganisms from your blood samples in a laboratory. Healthcare providers typically collect multiple blood samples over several hours to maximize the chance of catching bacteria as they circulate through your bloodstream. Additional blood tests may show elevated inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), along with anemia and elevated white blood cell counts. While imaging tests like echocardiography help visualize heart damage, blood cultures remain the gold standard for confirming endocarditis and guiding antibiotic selection.

Question 9

How is endocarditis treated?

Accepted Answer

Endocarditis requires aggressive treatment with intravenous antibiotics administered in a hospital setting for several weeks. The specific antibiotics used depend on the microorganism identified in your blood cultures, with treatment typically lasting 4 to 6 weeks to ensure complete eradication of the infection. During treatment, doctors monitor your blood cultures to confirm the antibiotics are working and watch for complications. Some people require heart valve surgery if the infection severely damages their valves, causes heart failure, or does not respond to antibiotics alone. After completing antibiotic treatment, you will need follow-up appointments to ensure the infection has cleared and to monitor for any lasting heart damage that might require ongoing care.

Question 10

How can I prevent endocarditis?

Accepted Answer

Preventing endocarditis focuses on maintaining good oral hygiene and taking antibiotics before certain procedures if you have high-risk heart conditions. Brush and floss your teeth daily, visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, and treat any dental infections promptly to prevent bacteria from entering your bloodstream. If you have artificial heart valves, a history of endocarditis, certain congenital heart defects, or heart valve damage from rheumatic fever, your doctor may prescribe preventive antibiotics before dental procedures or surgeries. Avoid intravenous drug use, which carries extremely high risk for introducing bacteria directly into your bloodstream. Keep all skin wounds clean and watch for signs of infection, treating them promptly to prevent bacteria from spreading.

Question 11

What can I do at home for endocarditis?

Accepted Answer

Endocarditis requires professional medical treatment with intravenous antibiotics and cannot be treated at home with natural remedies alone. However, after starting medical treatment, you can support your recovery by getting plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection, eating a nutritious diet rich in protein and vitamins to support healing, and staying well-hydrated. Take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed, even if you start feeling better, to ensure the infection is completely eliminated. Monitor your temperature daily and watch for warning signs like worsening symptoms, new chest pain, or difficulty breathing, reporting these immediately to your healthcare provider. Avoid strenuous activities until your doctor clears you, as your heart needs time to heal from the infection and any damage it caused.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Endocarditis Blood Test

What is Endocarditis?

What causes endocarditis?

What is the best test for endocarditis?

When should I get tested for endocarditis?

References

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