A needle device has a needle retraction mechanism that retracts the needle
upon removing the device from the skin surface (either intentionally or
unintentionally). Once the needle is retracted, the device is rendered
inoperative. The needle can be further made inoperative by bending it
when one attempts to reuse the device. In another embodiment, a needle
opening formed in the base of the housing can be covered to render the
needle inoperative when one attempts to reuse the device. In another
embodiment, the needle device instead has a needle shield that
automatically covers the needle after use.