Abstract: A needle cap having a generally elongate configuration with an elongate channel extending axially therein to receive and hold a needle of a syringe by transverse movement of the needle relative to the longitudinal axis of the cap. A channel is closed at one end to protect the point of the needle when engaged with a cap and the opposite end is open. The needle has an integral base for engaging the needle to the syringe and the integral base mates with a recess in the channel such that the needle is releasably retained in a first position and fixedly retained in a second position.