Abstract: An injury resistant needle and blood collection tube holder which includes an inner tube which telescopes within an outer protective tube. The inner tube is movable between a retracted position wherein the blood collection needle is housed entirely within the outer protective tube and an extended position wherein the needle protrudes for venipuncture. The inner tube is releasably locked in the retracted position to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the protective outer tube. The annular ridges are provided on the tubes to facilitate single-handed operation of the device.