Abstract: A safety syringe includes a barrel having an interior chamber for containing a fluid, and a needle mounted at one end of the barrel. The needle has a bore in fluid communication with the interior chamber in the barrel. A plunger is slidably mounted within the interior chamber of the barrel for displacing fluid within the barrel through the needle to administer fluid to a patient. A protective shield is slidably mounted on the barrel and is moveable between an extended position in which the needle is concealed and a retracted position in which the needle is exposed. The protective shield is moveable between first, second, and third positions. In the first position, the protective shield is extended over the needle and is releasibly locked to protect the needle prior to use. In the second position, the protective shield is retracted and is releasibly locked to facilitate use of the syringe.