[Epistaxis Requiring Intervention After Swab for SARS-CoV-2]./ Interventionsbedürftige Epistaxis nasi nach SARS-CoV-2-Abstrich.

INTRODUCTION: Since May 2020, the first nasopharyngeal POC tests for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic have been available. Due to the long passage through the nasal cavity, there is a risk of injury with subsequent epistaxis. METHODS: We describe the course of disease of two female patients who suffered from massive epistaxis requiring intervention after an externally performed nasopharyngeal swab. RESULTS: After nasal tamponade, one patient underwent clipping of the sphenopalatine artery under general anesthesia. The other patient suffered from nasal bleeding with hemorrhagic shock requiring transfusion. She was intubated and admitted to our hospital. CONCLUSION: The nasopharyngeal swab for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 can lead to life-threatening complications in rare cases. Considering that daily more than 5 million corona tests are being carried out worldwide as part of the current pandemic, complications should not be neglected. It is necessary that the person performing the swab has a detailed understanding of the anatomy involved. Alternative test methods were further assessed with regard to their sensitivity. With regard to the future need for SARS-CoV-2 tests, alternative and lower-risk test procedures must be investigated and established.