A safety shield apparatus is disclosed which includes a needle having a
distal portion defining a longitudinal axis which is angularly displaced
relative to a longitudinal axis defined by a proximal portion of the
needle. A shield is mounted with the needle and extensible, via a tubular
needle guide movable along the needle, between a retracted position and
an extended position. The apparatus may include a needle hub configured
to support the proximal portion of the needle. The needle hub can include
an appendage which may have at least one opening to facilitate
manipulation thereof. A distal end of the shield can be attached to a
planar contact surface. The shield may also include a latch engageable
with the needle.