Abstract: A disposable needle having individual, spring biased, first and second retractable, open protective sleeves. The first retractable sleeve covers the needle end employed to extract patient blood and the second retractable sleeve covers the needle end that transfers blood to a collection tube. Each sleeve is provided with diametrically disposed slits receiving diametrically disposed ear extensions on the needle support. A support segmented housing maintains the sleeves and needle into a unitary structure. Detents are disposed on the end of the first sleeve that telescopingly receives the open end of the second sleeve. In use, the first sleeve is manually retracted and the detents secure the sleeve in retracted position. A tubular support on the opposite end of the segmented housing receives a blood collection tube therein that forcibly retracts the second sleeve and permit penetration of the blood collection tube.

Abstract: A disposable needle system employing chemical disinfecting mechanism is disclosed. Both ends 13,14 of the needle are enclosed in individual spring biased, retractable sleeves 32,52 telescopically received within respective colinear tubular housings that support the needle structure. In use, sleeves 32,52 are retracted to expose needle ends 13,14 for respective insertion into the vein of a patient and for collecting the blood in a tube 71 or syringe 90. After use, the sleeves are returned to original position to again cover the needle ends and protect the user and any subsequent handler from exposure to accidental needle punctures. An additional precaution involves a disinfectant solution being dispersed into the tubular housings via passageway 66 and vial 75. Vial 75 is retained in the tubular housing by the tapered enlarged nozzle 79 being locked in passageway 66 to give a visual indication that the needle system has been used to thereby prevent inadvertent reuse.