Abstract: A protective needle sheath is described herein which prevents accidental skin puncture and contact by the sharpened end and shaft of a hypodermic needle. The protective sheath is pivoted with a support base molded as part of the syringe or needle assembly, or capable of being fitted to a needle assembly. A retractable arm is pivotally secured to the support base by a live hinge. The retractable arm being capable of moving from a position in which the needle is encased in a needle channel in the arm, to a position exposing the needle. The retractable arm is moved by applying force to an arm actuator attached to the arm. The needle is locked within the needle channel by friction lock tabs located in the needle channel. The lock tabs are released by applying force to squeeze tabs attached to the arm.