MODEL RELEASED. Meningitis and septicaemia test. Mother performing the tumbler test on her 18 month old son. The tumbler test is used to diagnose bacterial meningitis, an infection causing inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain. Infection by meningococcal bacteria can cause septicaemia (blood poisoning), a common symptom of which is a red or purple skin rash. In the test, a glass is pressed against the rash. If the rash does not fade, medical advice must be sought immediately. The rash is caused by blood pooling beneath the skin. Both septicaemia and meningitis are serious conditions that may cause permanent brain damage or death.