Should we promote the tumbler test?

摘要

Parental delay in recognising the significance of a non-blanching rash has been identified as a cause of avoidable mortality and morbidity in 15% of children with meningococcal disease.1 The 'tumbler' or 'glass' test is promoted in UK national guidelines as a way to address this problem - parents are encouraged to "press a glass tumbler firmly against the rash - if you can see the spots through the glass and they do not fade seek medical advice immediately".2 A well-conducted survey from France reports that only 7% of parents are able to recognise a petechial rash and know about the tumbler test.3The authors conclude that public information campaigns about the significance of haemorrhagic rash and the tumbler test are needed.