Nursing students at City College provided tuberculin testing for the emergency medical technician class.

More than 100 students were testing on Feb. 5, said Ann Marie Kopeikin, director of the vocational nursing program.

“We are doing things that really will make a difference,” said Kopeikin.

Her students haven’t been taught how to perform injections yet. But, they managed to learn in time as a result of required community service hours.

“It has been a great experience; we have collaborated well,” said Kopeikin. “We get all the testing on Tuesday and now we are going to do all the reading.”

Tuberculin is an extract from bacteria that causes tuberculosis, an infectious disease that attacks the lungs, among other parts of the body.

The testing for the disease is performed by injecting a small amount of fluid into the skin and waiting for a reaction. After the person is given the shot, they return within 48 to 72 hours in order to have it analyzed by a trained health care worker.

The size of the hard area or swelling will determine the test result. If there is no reaction, the test is negative and the person is safe from the disease.

If the test is positive, the person will need additional tests to determine if he/she is infected with bacteria.

Nursing students gained confidence as they reviewed their skills.

“Increased confidence gives you increased competence and increased competence gives you increased confidence. It’s just a circle,” said Kopeikin.