A needle assembly having a telescoping shield that extends over the distal e nd of the needle when released by an actuator that is triggered during a standard sequ ence of operation of a medical procedure. For example, the telescoping shield extends by means of a compression spring from a starting retracted position to a venipuncture part ially extended position during the standard sequence of operation of drawing a blood sample with an evacuated blood collection tube and needle holder. After the procedure is co mplete and the needle is removed from the patient the shield continues to extend to a fully extended and locked position over the distal end of the needle rendering the needle safe and preventing needle stick injuries.
