Abstract: A needle tip protective device which is universally adapted for use with a large number of needle supports including syringe needles, Vacutainer apparatus and intravenous catheter placement needle and intravenous catheter combinations without requiring any alteration or modification of the needle support. The needle tip protective device comprises a collapsable sleeve which is disposed about the shank of the needle and a protective cap located at one end which surrounds and encloses the sharp tip point of the needle. A sealing member is located within the cap and effectively encloses the sharp tip point of the needle within the cap until the needle is pushed through the sealing member.