Abstract: A syringe assembly includes a barrel having an open proximal end, a chamber for retaining fluid and a tip portion extending from a distal end of the barrel having a passageway therethrough communicating with the chamber. A needle cannula having a distal end extends outwardly from the tip portion and includes a lumen in fluid communication with the passageway. A needle shield assembly includes a resilient needle sheath having an open proximal end, a closed distal end, a sidewall defining a receptacle therein and an annular flange extending radially outwardly from the proximal end of the needle sheath. The needle sheath is positioned within an elongate rigid shield having an open proximal end, a distal end and a sidewall therebetween. Structure for holding the sheath within the shield includes a flange-receiving aperture in the needle shield sidewall adjacent to the open proximal end.