Meningitis rash: The glass test

A rash that does not fade under pressure is a sign of meningococcal septicaemia

meningitis rash glass test

by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

Rashes are common - but there is an easy way to determine whether or not it is a meningitis rash.

This is called the glass test, or the tumbler test.

How to perform the meningitis glass test:

  1. Take a small, clear glass tumbler

  2. Press the glass firmly against the skin where the rash is present

  3. Roll the glass over the rash

  4. Observe the rash closely

If the rash does NOT fade under the pressure of the glass, it's a sign of meningitis.

A fever with a rash that doesn't fade under pressure is a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate medical help.

**REMEMBER: Don't wait for a rash to develop.

Seek immediate medical help if someone is unwell and displays other symptoms of meningitis.**

Find out more about meningitis symptoms here.

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