Abstract: A parenteral apparatus (10, 50, 60, 70, 90, 110, 120) comprises a chamber (26) for parenteral fluid within a housing (12). The apparatus also includes an axially slidable seal (24) operatively associated with a needle (28) and a catheter (32) enclosing the needle (28) in part. In operation, the needle (28) makes an incision in tissue by means of a sharp point (33) and it is then withdrawn into the housing (12) whilst the catheter remains in contact with the tissue. The parenteral fluid is expelled by movement of the seal (24) from the chamber (26) through the needle (28) initially and subsequently through the needle (28) and the catheter (32) as the needle (28) is withdrawn.

Abstract: A needle apparatus has a thin walled catheter enclosing a tubular needle having a sharp point, the catheter and the needle being relatively moveable longitudinally a short distance, from a first position where the needle projects from the catheter and to a second position at which the sharp point is located within the catheter. The needle remains in the fluid pathway of the needle apparatus at all times. The needle apparatus is arranged to pierce tissue when the catheter and the needle are in the first position.