. Meningitis test. Mother testing her 3-year-old daughter for meningitis, the bacterial or viral inflammation of the brain's membranes. A common symptom of this condition is a blotchy skin rash, which does not fade under pressure. The simplest way to test the rash is to press a clear glass against the skin. If the rash does not fade, medical help should be sought immediately. A non-fading rash is also a symptom of septicaemia (bacterial blood poisoning). Meningitis and septicaemia are both very serious conditions that can cause permanent damage and death. MODEL RELEASED