Abstract: A needle guard and a method to prevent needle stick injuries are disclosed, for use with a hypodermic syringe or other instrument with a sharp point. The needle guard, comprises a protective sleeve with a fitting, that may be used with or added to a syringe and needle assembly. The interior of the fitting contains an annular core adapted to permanently engage the fitting on the syringe barrel. Radial arms extending from the core align and cooperate with the slidable sleeve. Prior to and during use of the needle, the sleeve remains in a retracted position covering the barrel of the syringe. After the needle has been used, the sleeve is pushed forward into its locked extended position, so that the end of the sleeve extends beyond the tip of the needle. The tip of the needle is thereby shielded, preventing accidental sticks.

Abstract: A needle guard for a syringe or other instrument with a sharp point is disclosed having a protective sleeve with a fitting, and having a retracted position and a locked extended position, that may be used with or added to a conventional syringe and needle assembly. Prior to and during use of the needle, the sleeve remains in a retracted position covering the barrel of the syringe. After the needle has been used, the sleeve is pushed forward into its locked extended position, so that the end of the sleeve extends beyond the tip of the needle. The tip of the needle is thereby shielded, preventing accidental sticks.