Abstract: A safety apparatus and method of use for a catheter and needle combination. An automatic sheathing system protects clinical personnel from accidental needle sticks after withdrawing the needle from a patient. The device consists of a clear, plastic needle guard with a flanged-end opening that allows a polytetrafluoroethylene catheter and needle to protrude (covered by a protective cap), but prevents the hubs of each from passing outside. For venipuncture, the cap is removed and the needle tip passes through the catheter. The user, employing a one-handed method, punctures the skin of the patient with the needle tip and locates a vein. The needle is then withdrawn as the catheter slides over the needle tip into the vein. A needle guard, including a one-way detent and a restraining ledge, captures the needle hub when the needle is withdrawn. At all times during the withdrawal process the needle guard encloses the needle tip.

Abstract: A dental sharps containment device comprises a housing unit having an insertion panel with an insertion hole therein, a removable protective sleeve, a gripping means for gripping a needle cap, and a disposable sharps container. The removable, protective sleeve is inserted into the insertion hole. When the needle apparatus is inserted into the protective sleeve, the protective sleeve guides the needle cap to a predetermined location inside the housing unit above the gripping means. The gripping means is operated to engage and firmly grip the needle cap so that when the syringe is pulled from the device, the needle pulls out of the needle cap. After use, the syringe is again inserted into the protective sleeve, which guides the needle back into the needle cap. When the needle has been used multiple times and is ready to be removed from the syringe for safe disposal, the syringe is twisted to unscrew it from the needle.