The present invention relates to a syringe in which the needle can be retracted into the syringe body (1) directly from the body of the patient upon whom the syringe has been used. The syringe incorporates linearly acting coupling means between the piston (3) or plunger shaft (4) and the needle mounting means (10), which coupling means has at least one fluid vent passage to prevent fluid build up within the coupling means as it is engaged. The needle mounting means (10) is secured to the syringe body (1) by a linearly acting fastener (16, 21). Such a syringe avoids the need for excessive forces to engage the coupling means and to disengage the needle mounting means (10) and the need to rotate parts of the syringe to engage the coupling or disengage the needle mount and thus avoids excessive pain and discomfort to the patient. By retracting the needle (15) into the syringe body (1) directly from the body of the patient, exposure of the syringe user to the needle is minimised.
