<p>A single-use syringe (10) has a needle (24) that is withdrawn into a hollow plunger (14). A needle holder (26) has a rigid element resisting the forward movement of the needle (24) and a compressible element (29) frictionally holding the needle (24) and preventing rearward movement. The needle (24) is released by applying additional pressure to the hollow plunger (14) to compress the compressible element (29). The rear (22) of the needle (24) ruptures the face (36) of the hollow plunger (14) which has a rupturable portion (34) covering an optional flexible coupling (39) for withdrawing a needle (24) into the plunger (14) after the needle (24) is released from the needle holder (26). Upon inversion of the syringe (10) the needle (24) is able to fall freely into the hollow plunger (14).</p>
