A medical needle shield apparatus is provided which is slidably movable along
a
medical needle from a proximal position where a distal end of the needle is exposed,
to a distal position where the shield protects the distal end of the needle. The
medical needle shield apparatus includes a binding member having an aperture through
which the needle passes. The binding member also has binding surfaces for binding
to a medical needle. The shield apparatus also includes a retainer integral with
the binding member and in communication with the needle for temporarily retaining
the binding surfaces in a non-binding position relative to the needle. The shield
apparatus also includes a positioning member for positioning the binding surfaces
to secure the shield to the needle when a portion of the retainer in contact with
the needle is advanced past the distal end of the needle. A housing may be included
for enclosing the shield apparatus.
