Abstract: A slotted guard for locking a needle in a shielded position as the needle is removed from a patient, and a guarded winged needle assembly including not only such a slotted, locking guard, but also a needle (with a winged hub attached thereto) slidably mounted within the guard. Preferably, the guard's slot has an angled portion so that when the hub and needle are fully retracted within the guard, the needle's tip will be oriented away from the slot. Also preferably, a piece of absorptive material is disposed in the guard to absorb any fluid dripping from the needle tip after the needle has been locked in its retracted position within the guard following an injection.