Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in conventional protection barrel and cap packagings for hypodermic needles, whereby a structural guard is provided to encourage a user's fingers to locate directly behind the guard, and around the outer surface of an opening into the protected barrel. A person inserting a needle into a barrel automatically seeks to grasp the barrel proximate its open end, to avoid yawing of the barrel during the manipulative process. The present invention facilitates holding of a barrel proximate the opening, while providing, as an extension therefrom, a needle entrance guide means which extends axially and laterally therefrom. The laterally expanded barrel opening defines a transition ramp surface into the barrel open end.