<p>A medical needle shield apparatus including a shield (1) that is extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of a needle (6). A binding member (5) is disposed within the shield (1) and defines binding surfaces (22) that form an aperture (21) configured for slidable receipt of the needle (6) between the retracted position and the extended position. The binding member (5) includes drag inducing members (26) disposed thereon that engage the needle (6) during slidable receipt of the needle (6) to create a drag force with the needle (6). The drag force facilitates rotation of the binding member (5) relative to a longitudinal axis of the needle (6) such that the binding surfaces (2) engage the needle (6) to prevent slidable movement of the needle (6) in the extended position of the shield (1). The binding member (5) further includes a retainer (14) extending therefrom such that the retainer (14) is engageable with the needle (6) to prevent rotation of the binding member (5) prior to the extended position. The shield (1) further includes a hub retainer (14A) for releasable attachment to a catheter hub (4).</p>
