28th July 2023

A 56 year old man with a background of aortic stenosis presents with a 5 day history of fever and feeling generally unwell.

A 56 year old man with a background of aortic stenosis presents with a 5 day history of fever and feeling generally unwell. No source is found on the initial septic screen, and it is suggested he may have infective endocarditis.

Which of the following statements about investigating suspected endocarditis is false?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.