Abstract: A medical needle guard device is disclosed characterized by use of a pair of telescoping tubular sleeves mountable upon the hub of conventional medical needles by plural clip inserts positionable within one of the tubular sleeves. The plural clips may be specifically formed in differing configurations and positioned at differing axial positions along the length of one of the tubular sleeves to permit the medical needle guard to be retrofitted onto differing medical needle hubs.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of utilizing the same to prevent accidental medical needle sticks are disclosed, characterized by use of a raised locking member coaxially mounted upon the needle approximately midway between a body member mounting the needle and the needle tip which presents an exterior contour to engage complementary features within the interior channel of a tubular sleeve which slides coaxially along the needle. The slidable sleeve is held at a first position proximate the body member and exposing the needle tip by a mechanical detent formed from frictional engagement of complementary surfaces upon the sleeve and the locking member and/or the body member. After medical use, the spent and contaminated needle is sheathed by sliding the tubular sleeve to a second position wherein it is securely held by a detent resultant from engagement with the locking member. The sheathing guards against accidental needle sticks transmitting disease.