Abstract: A cartridge syringe with a slideable protective sheath to prevent accidental needle sticks following administration of a an injection is described. The device comprises a syringe cartridge, comprising a constricted distal end region, a piston movably disposed within the barrel, a hub having an axial bore mounted to the constricted distal end region of the barrel, and a hollow needle, the proximal end of the hollow needle projecting through the axial bore of the hub and the distal end of the needle having a pointed tip; and a protective sheath having an inner diameter greater than the external diameter of the syringe cartridge, such that the protective sheath is slideably movable substantially coaxially along the external surface of the cartridge barrel from a first position in which the tip of the needle extends past both ends of the protective sheath, to a second position in which the distal end of the sheath extends past the tip of the needle.