Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying and deploying a protective cover about a percutaneous puncture site formed by a hypodermic needle. In the preferred embodiment, a marking agent or puncture site covering, the latter of which preferably takes the form of a bandage, is releasably secured upon either the needle hub of the hypodermic needle or on a sliding member or sleeve axially moveable along the length of said needle that forms a marking or detaches therefrom once compressed about the puncture site.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is related to and claims the benefit of filing date of the following U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/308,008, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INDICATING OR COVERING A PERCUTANEOUS PUNCTURE SITE, filed Jul. 25, 2001, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/206,176, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INDICATING OR COVERING A PERCUTANEOUS PUNCTURE SITE, filed Jul. 25, 2002. 
     
    
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     (Not Applicable)  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention relates generally to hypodermic needles having a means for indicating or covering a puncture site, and needle protecting devices such as retracting needles and needle guards for hypodermic needles including an apparatus for indicating or covering a puncture site and a means for selectively determining the depth of needle penetration into a vial or tissue.  
         [0004]     The dramatic increase in the global proliferation of bloodborne pathogens such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and over twenty more known bloodborne pathogens transmitted via blood and bodily fluids, is having much broader socioeconomic ramifications than previously thought. Since the discovery of HIV and resulting Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, approximately 65 million people have contracted the virus and an estimated 25 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Meaning approximately 40 million individuals are living with HIV, with over 90% of those infected unaware of their infection and able to spread the disease. New data indicates the AIDS epidemic is spreading far more rapidly in the developing world than any global-level disease that preceded it. The epidemiological models previously used to predict the spread of other diseases are proving to be grossly inaccurate and useless. Although 1.3 million people living with AIDS in undeveloped countries have access to antiretroviral drugs, it is estimated that 80% do not have access to treatment. Without massive new intervention, experts predict an additional 70 million people will die from AIDS within the next two decades.  
         [0005]     HIV prevalence is now approaching 40% of the population in some Sub-Saharan countries in Africa. New HIV infection rates in China, Indonesia, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia are exploding, with some infection rates increasing 70% in the first six months of 2001. The rate of new infections in the developed world has stabilized, but over 1.5 million are HIV-positive or living with AIDS. The United Nations is calling for unprecedented intervention to stem the growing number of people being infected with HIV.  
         [0006]     In addition to the exploding population of those infected with HIV, a significant number of patients being treated with antiretroviral therapy are infected with a virus that has developed a resistance to any of the therapies currently available. In 2001, clinical studies in San Francisco determined that approximately 25% of HIV-positive patients being treated with the first and most widely available drug prophylaxis, reverse transcriptase inhibitors, had a HIV strain that developed drug-resistance within a short time. Researchers also monitored patients receiving the second generation antiviral drugs, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, reporting no drug-resistant HIV strains in 1996, but were alarmed that 13% of those tested had developed a resistance to this new potent class of drugs. Both of these types of anti-viral drugs are expected to be widely used in the developing world because of cost. Even more alarming is the fact that 7% of HIV-positive patients receiving one of the third generation of antiretroviral drugs, protease inhibitors, also had an HIV strain that had developed a resistance to this treatment.  
         [0007]     Additionally, the excitement over the new fourth generation CCR5 receptor antagonist class drugs that target the white blood cells of the immune system and not HIV itself has been tempered because the drugs may accelerate the shift of one variant of HIV to a second variant.  
         [0008]     Another huge roadblock to the development of a vaccine or effective drug prophylaxis is the advent of dual HIV infection, where an individual is infected with two distinct HIV strains. The evidence of this phenomenon is the presence of recombinant viruses that include genetic material from two distinct parental HIV strains. The only way recombinant viruses are created is when simultaneous replication occurs between two distinct parental strains in the same patient. Dual infection can occur two ways: coinfection, when the host is infected with two distinct parental viruses at or around the same time, and; superinfection, where a sequential infection of two different viral strains occurs.  
         [0009]     The presence of HIV or any of these bloodborne pathogens in patients poses a risk to healthcare workers when invasive, hypodermic procedures are performed. As the population of infected individuals&#39; increases, more people will be treated by healthcare workers, further increasing the odds of disease transmission from patient to healthcare worker. Blood must be collected to determine and monitor the viral load in infected patients. The need for a passive blood collection system is enormous because of the increased demand for blood sampling.  
         [0010]     The United States has mandated the use of safety engineered hypodermics in the workplace and many of the currently available safety products are not being well received by clinicians. The design of the great majority of these first generation safety devices requires a change in protocol, and an additional step or action to disable the contaminated hypodermic needle. The retracting syringe needles now available also require an additional step after the medication is administered with a syringe and the clinician is required to exert a significant force on the plunger rod to activate the retracting mechanism of the device. The retracting IV catheter, or the winged infusion needle, also requires the clinician to press a button to retract the needle into the needle hub or holder. One of the most glaring problems of the retracting needles are that they regurgitate the blood or bodily fluid contained in the needle when the needle retracts into the closed syringe, hub or handle. What is needed is a safety hypodermic needle that eliminates exposure time to the contaminated needle and does not harm the patient or caregiver.  
         [0011]     The final result of any hypodermic or percutaneous procedure is that the puncture site is covered with a bandage, or wound dressing, after removal of the needle or stylet. The ability to simultaneously cover the puncture site during the procedure, or at the time of needle withdrawal, benefits the patient by reducing the time the wound is exposed to any potential air, skin or fluid-borne contaminants and potential infection, as well as the caregiver, who is now able to address the proper disposal of the contaminated needle without having to attempt to place a bandage or wound dressing, which may require the use of both hands. If a sharps container is not within reach, some caregivers routinely place the barrel of the used syringe in their mouth while placing the bandage over the puncture site.  
         [0012]     Although an absorbent material is routinely used both before and after a hypodermic procedure, the existing prior art mostly teaches the use of the absorbent material to apply anesthetic or medication to the puncture site prior to needle insertion.  
         [0013]     In U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,926, Haber teaches a self-contained, sterile medication applying swab at the proximal end of a syringe plunger which is used prior to the puncture. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,035 Barrett also teaches a swab combined with a syringe, but with an integral swab at the distal end of the syringe for use prior to the puncture. Gringras, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,270,743, teaches a means for administering anesthetic from either the proximal end of the syringe, or the distal end of the needle cover. Golden, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,755,170, teaches a slidable, double portioned, cutaneous sealing apparatus, concentrically located about a needle, but does not teach a secure means to prevent the needle tip from being re-exposed after use nor includes a deployable bandage or wound dressing having an automatic peeling release liner. What is needed is a puncture site indicating or covering apparatus that is integral to the hypodermic apparatus, easy to use, includes a deployable bandage or wound dressing with a self-separating release liner and provides protection for both the patient and caregiver.  
         [0014]     Some hypodermic needle diameters are so small that it is difficult to tell where the puncture has been made after the needle is withdrawn from the patient. Since a bandage is placed over the puncture site, an indicator marking the puncture site would be helpful to the attending clinician in properly placing the bandage or covering.  
         [0015]     A simple needle shaft depth indicator is also disclosed in the present invention. The routine protocol has previously been to draw medication or diluent into a syringe with one needle, then to remove that fill needle from the syringe. A second, fresh, sterile needle is attached to the syringe and used to address the patient and inject the medicine. This protocol is common because each needle shaft is coated with a lubricating film designed to reduce patient discomfort and tissue drag when the needle is inserted into tissue. When the needle is passed through the stopper of the vial to fill the syringe, the lubricating film on the needle shaft is compromised. A small depth indicator near the distal end of the needle would allow the user to only insert a small portion of the needle shaft through the stopper into the vial, leaving the lubricating film intact on the rest of the needle shaft. Clinicians have been trained to visually observe the needle tip for burrs or other irregularities before using the needle on patients.  
         [0016]     Hypodermic needles are used in a wide variety of invasive medical procedures with approximately 25 billion units being consumed on an annual basis. Basically, the great majority of hypodermic needles are disposable, intended for a single-use on an individual patient and are provided sterile in a variety of lengths and gauges. Hypodermic needles are normally discarded after a single use into a specially designed, puncture-proof biohazard container. Europe has broadly adopted disposable, single use regulations in light of the presence of Mad Cow disease.  
         [0017]     Hypodermic needles are used in medicine, science, veterinary medicine, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, and also in the chemical industry. Medical and veterinary uses range from injecting medication or diluent into a patient or I.V. port, collecting blood, bodily fluids or specimens from patients, placing guidewires, catheters and implanted ports, heart pacemaker leads, brain surgery and nuclear diagnostic medicine as well as a variety of other clinical procedures. The biotechnology and pharmaceutical applications mainly involve research where substances, liquids, gases or compounds are injected, mixed or withdrawn through a membrane or barrier into a specimen or controlled field. Chemical industry applications involve injecting or removing substances, liquids, gases or compounds to or from a specimen or controlled field. In each and every instance, whether medical or industrial, exposed needles pose a danger of injuring the user.  
         [0018]     Despite all the obvious dangers associated with the use of exposed hypodermics, and the availability of manually activated safety hypodermic devices, unguarded, exposed hypodermic needles still are readily available and used throughout the industry. Many institutions have evaluated and tested the commercially available safety products and have rejected many of the technologies for a number of reasons.  
         [0019]     The basic problem with many of the present day safety hypodermic devices is that they are meant to be manually activated, or in the language of the medical device industry, they are considered “active” devices. They may have safety shields, retractable needles, moveable sheaths or the like; but they generally require the user to complete another procedure to facilitate engagement of the safety mechanism. Although there are a number of retractable needle devices available, the aforementioned clinical issues are a cause for concern, as well as fluid regurgitation problems when the mechanism is activated.  
         [0020]     What is needed is a low-cost safety hypodermic apparatus with a universal application that is low in cost, easy to use, and improves safety for both the patient and caregiver and should include a deployable bandage or wound dressing having a self-peeling release liner as an integral part of the safety hypodermic apparatus, reducing the probability of exposing the caregiver, or patient to contaminated hypodermic needles in the workplace.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for indicating the puncture site made by a percutaneous needle or medical instrument.  
         [0022]     It is an object of the present invention to provide a puncture site indicator for a hypodermic needle or apparatus.  
         [0023]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for depositing a mark on a surface when a hypodermic apparatus contacts that surface.  
         [0024]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a puncture site indicator that is releasably attached or coupled to a hypodermic needle or apparatus.  
         [0025]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a puncture site indicator that is releasably attached or coupled to a hypodermic needle or apparatus with an adhesive.  
         [0026]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a puncture site indicator that is releasably attached or coupled to a hypodermic apparatus by mechanical means.  
         [0027]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a puncture site indicator that is releasably attached or coupled to a hypodermic needle or apparatus by frictional means.  
         [0028]     It is a another object of the invention to provide a puncture site indicator that is releasably attached or coupled to a hypodermic needle or apparatus by rotational means.  
         [0029]     It is another object of the invention to provide a puncture site cover for a hypodermic needle or apparatus.  
         [0030]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a puncture site cover that is releasably attached or coupled to a hypodermic needle or apparatus.  
         [0031]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a puncture site cover that is releasably attached or coupled to a hypodermic needle or apparatus by adhesive.  
         [0032]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a puncture site cover that is releasably attached or coupled to a hypodermic needle or apparatus by a slidable means.  
         [0033]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a puncture site cover that is releasably attached or coupled to a hypodermic needle or apparatus by mechanical means.  
         [0034]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a puncture site cover that is releasably attached or coupled to a hypodermic needle or apparatus by frictional means.  
         [0035]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a puncture site cover that is releasably attached or coupled to a hypodermic needle or apparatus by rotational means.  
         [0036]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a puncture site cover that may include an adhesive.  
         [0037]     It is one more object of the present invention to provide a puncture site cover that may include an absorbent material.  
         [0038]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a puncture site cover that may include an absorbent material that includes an anesthetic, antimicrobial, antibiotic or any other medication used to minimize or reduce infections.  
         [0039]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a puncture site cover that may include an absorbent material that includes a powder.  
         [0040]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a puncture site cover that includes a puncture proof material.  
         [0041]     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a needle point guard that effectively shields the sharpened distal tip of the needle after use.  
         [0042]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus which is automatic and/or semi-automatic covering, fail-safe and single-use in nature.  
         [0043]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus which looks similar to a standard, exposed, disposable hypodermic needle device (i.e., the needle and needle tip are exposed prior to performing the hypodermic procedure).  
         [0044]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus which conforms to existing procedures for aspirating medication into a syringe, administering injections, and allowing unrestricted access for vascular access or catheter insertion.  
         [0045]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus which provides an exposed sharpened tip for bevel-up needle viewing.  
         [0046]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus which allows medication or diluent to be aspirated into a syringe without prematurely activating the automatic and/or manually covering safety mechanism.  
         [0047]     It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus which can be used with a double lancet needle for piercing a cartridge in a pre-filled syringe, or a stopper in a blood collection vacuum tube.  
         [0048]     It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus which lends itself to automated manufacturing.  
         [0049]     It is yet another object of the present invention to leave the delicate, sharpened needle tip untouched during assembly procedures, ensuring the sharpest needle tip possible to minimize any patient discomfort during use of the hypodermic device.  
         [0050]     It is a further object of the present invention to reduce the number of components to the lowest possible number needed to accomplish the intended task of providing acceptable, low cost, fail-safe, single-use hypodermic devices for the healthcare industry.  
         [0051]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a retaining means that may include a gripping means.  
         [0052]     It is an object of the invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a means for receiving and limiting a slidable member at the distal end of a hypodermic needle or apparatus.  
         [0053]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a means for limiting the axial movement and receiving a member near the distal end of a hypodermic needle or apparatus.  
         [0054]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a means for confining an expanded portion of a shaft of a hypodermic needle or apparatus within a sliding member.  
         [0055]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a means for confining a sliding member on an expanded portion of a shaft of a hypodermic needle.  
         [0056]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a means for wedge impacting a sliding member on an expanded portion of a shaft of a hypodermic needle.  
         [0057]     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a means for binding a sliding member on the distal end of a hypodermic needle.  
         [0058]     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a means for clamping a sliding member on the distal end of a hypodermic needle.  
         [0059]     It is yet one more object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a means for limiting the axial movement of a sliding member on an expanded portion of a shaft of a hypodermic needle.  
         [0060]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a slidable housing that is releasably retained at the proximal end of a hypodermic needle.  
         [0061]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a slidable housing that is selectively releasable to axially slide on a hypodermic needle.  
         [0062]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a visual indicator to show the limited penetration of needle through a stopper, port or into tissue.  
         [0063]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a deployable bandage having an automatic peeling release liner where no additional step is required to secure wound dressing to a puncture site when a percutaneous procedure is performed.  
         [0064]     It is a another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that can be formed from as single sheet, flat or plate of material.  
         [0065]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that can be formed from as single sheet, flat or plate of material and includes a movable needle trap.  
         [0066]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a needle guard having a movable needle trap with a means to retain a releasable member or bandage that includes an automatic peeling release liner, said bandage being mechanically attached to the protective needle guard until the sharpened tip of the hypodermic needle is securely covered.  
         [0067]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a safety hypodermic apparatus that can be formed from as single sheet, flat or plate of material and includes a movable, lockable needle trap having a means to retain a releasable member or bandage that is mechanically attached to the needle trap until the sharpened tip of the hypodermic needle is securely covered.  
         [0068]     In one embodiment, a puncture site indicator may be included with a hypodermic needle or the like. When a needle is inserted in the tissue, a needle hub with a puncture site indicator contacts the tissue, a fluid or the like is released marking or indicating the puncture site location that may include a dye, a coloring, a pigment, an anesthetic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, or other medication or ointment. The fluid may also be dissolvable or absorbable. In another embodiment, a puncture site cover is included on a hypodermic apparatus and is deployable onto the puncture site. The puncture site cover may be releasably coupled to a needle guard, and may be deployable in the course of performing the procedure. Essentially, combining a hypodermic needle guard and a puncture site cover is analogous to the procedure trays widely used in the medical industry because all the elements needed to perform the procedure are integrated into the apparatus.  
         [0069]     In another embodiment, a hypodermic needle is attached to a housing or hub. A coil spring may be positioned between the hub, or housing. The spring provides the biasing force for advancing the housing or hub forward along the shaft of the needle to the distal end.  
         [0070]     In yet another embodiment, the housing or hub may include a slidable washer or bushing that engages a change in profile at a location on a needle.  
         [0071]     In another embodiment, a needle with a change in profile limits the axial movement of a sliding member that includes a chamber or cavity for receiving a change in profile on a needle. In one embodiment, at least one change in profile is on the needle. In another embodiment, a plurality of change in profiles are on the needle. In one embodiment, the change in profile may be wedge impacted in a sliding member when the sliding member engages the change in profile. The change in profile may also become confined within a sliding member when a change in profile of the needle is received by a sliding member having a chamber with a similar shape as the change in profile where the axial movement of the sliding member is restricted or limited.  
         [0072]     In another embodiment, when a needle is inserted in the tissue, a puncture site indicator may be released and remain in contact with the skin as the needle is removed. The puncture site indicator may include an adhesive on at least one surface. It may be preferable to have adhesive on the surface that contacts the hypodermic apparatus and the surface that contacts the skin. The adhesive bond may be greater when the puncture site indicator contacts the skin, relative to the adhesive strength of the puncture site indicator contacting the hypodermic apparatus. This would allow the puncture site indicator to remain attached to the skin during needle withdrawal without placing pressure on the puncture site indicator. The puncture site indicator may also include an absorbent material that may include a dye, a coloring, an anesthetic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, or other medication or ointment.  
         [0073]     In yet another embodiment, a hypodermic apparatus includes a releasable member for covering a puncture site during insertion into tissue, during the procedure, or during removal from tissue. The member may include adhesive for maintaining the member on a puncture site during insertion, during the procedure or as the needle is removed from the tissue. The puncture site cover may also include a puncture-proof material or armor. The needle protective apparatus may also include a needle guard having a movable and needle trap with a means to retain a releasable member or bandage that includes an automatic or self peeling release liner, said bandage being mechanically attached to the protective needle guard until the sharpened tip of the hypodermic needle is securely locked and covered by the movable needle trap. A dye, a coloring, an anesthetic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, or the like may also be included on or in the puncture site covering.  
         [0074]     In another embodiment, a hypodermic apparatus includes a releasable member for covering a puncture site during insertion in tissue, or during or after removal from tissue. The member may include adhesive for maintaining the member on a puncture site during insertion, or as or after the needle is removed from the tissue. The puncture site cover may also include a puncture-proof material or armor. The puncture site cover may also include an absorbent material that absorbs any blood or fluids that are present as a result of the procedure. A dye, a coloring, an anesthetic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, or the like may also be included on or in the puncture site covering.  
         [0075]     In another embodiment, a needle guard formed from a single sheet or plate of material is disclosed, including progressive steps necessary to manufacture the present invention. The guard may be stamped, heat formed and may comprise metal, plastic resin or a blend of materials suitable for forming and safely covering a hypodermic needle after use. This embodiment also lends itself to injection molding manufacture.  
         [0076]     In another embodiment, a penetration depth indicator may be included on a needle, preventing the lubricating film on the needle from being compromised when filling a syringe.  
         [0077]     Other objects and benefits of this invention will become apparent from the description which follows hereinafter when read in conjunction with the figures that accompany it.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0078]     These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:  
         [0079]      FIG. 1  is a full side view of a prior art needle and syringe inserted into tissue.  
         [0080]      FIG. 2  is a full side view of the prior art needle and syringe of  FIG. 1  with the syringe and the needle fully removed from the puncture site, and a bandage being placed on the puncture site.  
         [0081]      FIG. 3  is a full side view of the prior art needle and syringe of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the syringe and the needle fully removed from the puncture site and a bandage covering the puncture site.  
         [0082]      FIG. 4  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of the present invention where the syringe and/or needle includes a puncture site indicator at the proximal end of the needle, distal end of the apparatus, that marks the puncture site during the procedure.  
         [0083]      FIG. 5  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of  FIG. 4  showing the syringe being withdrawn from the puncture site that is indicated by a mark left on the skin or surface.  
         [0084]      FIG. 6  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of the present invention showing fluid being administered by a syringe, the needle inserted in tissue, and a puncture site cover contacting the surface of the skin.  
         [0085]      FIG. 7  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of  FIG. 6  showing the syringe being withdrawn from the tissue that is now covered with a bandage or detachable member that is releasably attached to a needle housing.  
         [0086]      FIG. 8  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of  FIGS. 6 and 7  showing the syringe fully withdrawn from the tissue that is covered with a bandage or removable member that is now released from a needle housing.  
         [0087]      FIG. 9  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of the present invention showing the syringe being withdrawn from the tissue that is covered with a bandage or detachable member that is releasably attached to the needle housing, with a tether limiting the axial movement of the needle housing along needle.  
         [0088]      FIG. 10  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of  FIG. 9  showing the syringe fully withdrawn from the tissue that is covered with a bandage or removable member that is now released from the needle housing, with a tether limiting the axial movement of the needle housing along needle.  
         [0089]      FIG. 11  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of the present invention showing fluid being administered by a syringe with a retracting needle with said needle and sharpened tip inserted in tissue, and a puncture site cover contacting the surface of the skin.  
         [0090]      FIG. 12  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of  FIG. 11  showing a needle fully retracted into syringe body and the puncture site covered with a bandage or removable member that is released from syringe apparatus.  
         [0091]      FIG. 13  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of the present invention showing fluid being administered by a syringe having a movable sliding sleeve with the needle inserted in tissue. The sliding sleeve includes a detachable member at the distal end of the sleeve that covers the puncture site during the procedure.  
         [0092]      FIG. 14  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of  FIG. 13  showing the sliding sleeve fully deployed over the needle and the puncture site covered with a bandage or removable member that is releasable from the apparatus.  
         [0093]      FIG. 15  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of the present invention showing fluid being administered by a syringe having a needle with a movable sliding sleeve, with the needle inserted in tissue, and a puncture site cover contacting the surface of the skin.  
         [0094]      FIG. 16  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of  FIG. 15  showing the sliding needle guard fully deployed over the needle and the puncture site covered with a bandage or removable member that is released from the apparatus.  
         [0095]      FIG. 17  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of the present invention showing fluid being administered by a syringe having a needle with a puncture site cover with the needle inserted in tissue.  
         [0096]      FIG. 18  is a full side view of the hypodermic apparatus of  FIG. 17  showing the needle fully removed from the puncture site and the detachable member or bandage ready to be attached to the surface adjacent to the puncture site. The bandage may include a protrusion at the distal end, or a protrusion at the proximal end.  
         [0097]      FIG. 19  is a cross sectional side view of the hypodermic apparatus of the present invention comprising an apparatus having a means for marking or indicating a puncture site.  
         [0098]      FIG. 20  is a cross sectional side view of the needle of the present invention showing a slidable member for marking or indicating a puncture site shown at a position along the needle.  
         [0099]      FIG. 21  is a cross sectional side view of the needle of  FIG. 20  showing a member for marking or indicating a puncture site removed from the distal end of the needle.  
         [0100]      FIG. 22  is a full front view of the removable puncture site indicator of  FIGS. 20 and 21  along axis  22 - 22  comprising a slidable member having an aperture with a needle therethrough.  
         [0101]      FIG. 23  is a cross sectional side view of a needle with a cut away side view of a sliding member having a member, shown in a cross sectional view, for marking or indicating a puncture site.  
         [0102]      FIG. 24  is a cross sectional side view of the needle of  FIG. 23  having a slidable member with a puncture site marker or indicator shown near the distal end of the needle.  
         [0103]      FIG. 25  is a full front view of the present invention of  FIG. 23  in axis  25 - 25  comprising a needle and a slidable member with a means for marking or indicating a puncture site.  
         [0104]      FIG. 26  is a full top view of a member or bandage with an absorbent member or portion and a slit. Bandage may include an absorbent material, shown on the underside of the bandage in broken lines.  
         [0105]      FIG. 27  is a full top view of a member or bandage with an absorbent member or portion with another embodiment of a slit. Bandage may include an absorbent material, shown on the underside of the bandage in broken lines.  
         [0106]      FIG. 28  is a full top view of a puncture site indicator having an aperture and tab or protrusion. Tab may be folded over to cover aperture.  
         [0107]      FIG. 29  is a full side view of a needle having a sliding member located on the needle shaft, said needle having a change in profile near the distal tip of said needle to limit axial movement of said sliding member, and a cut away side view of said sliding member having an inner chamber or cavity.  
         [0108]      FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional side view of the needle of  FIG. 29  with the sliding member locked at the distal end of the needle, said member covering the sharpened needle tip. The change in profile of the needle shaft and distal needle tip are confined within the inner chamber or cavity of the sliding member that is shown in a cut away side view.  
         [0109]      FIG. 31  is a cut away front view of the sliding member of  FIGS. 29 and 30  along axis  31 - 31  comprising a body, an aperture and an inner chamber or cavity.  
         [0110]      FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional side view of the present invention with the sliding member locked at the distal end of the needle, said member including an enlarged distal aperture or chamber and covering the sharpened needle tip.  
         [0111]      FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the present invention with the sliding member located on said needle, said member having enlarged proximal and distal portions or chambers, and a needle having a change in profile near the distal end of said needle to limit axial movement of said sliding member.  
         [0112]      FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional side view of  FIG. 33  with the sliding member with locked at the distal end of the needle, said sliding member being capable of moving off-axis of the needle.  
         [0113]      FIG. 35  illustrates a full side view of a needle having an elongated change in profile, or a plurality of changes in profile near the sharpened needle tip with a sliding bushing or washer on the needle.  
         [0114]      FIG. 36  is a full side view of a needle and a cut away view of a needle housing of the present invention illustrating a needle having an elongated change in profile near the sharpened needle tip with a sliding member on the needle shaft.  
         [0115]      FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional side view of the needle of  FIG. 36  with the sliding member locked at the distal end of the needle on an elongated change in profile, that may include a recess or enlargement, said member extending over the sharpened needle tip.  
         [0116]      FIG. 38  is a full side view of a prior art blood or fluid collection method and apparatus with fluid being removed by a vacuum tube that is punctured by the proximal end of a double ended needle, with the distal end of said needle inserted in a blood vessel.  
         [0117]      FIG. 39  is a full side view of a prior art fluid collection method and apparatus of  FIG. 38  with the exposed needle removed from the tissue and a bandage being placed on the puncture site.  
         [0118]      FIG. 40  is a full side view of a prior art fluid collection method and apparatus of  FIGS. 38 and 39  with the exposed needle fully removed from the puncture site, and a bandage covering the puncture site.  
         [0119]      FIG. 41  is a full side view of the passive blood or fluid collection method and apparatus of the present invention comprising a needle holder, a vacuum tube, a double ended needle inserted into a blood vessel, a needle guard and a deployable member or bandage.  
         [0120]      FIG. 42  is a full side view of the fluid collection method and apparatus of  FIG. 41  showing a slidable member with a needle in a blood vessel and a bandage being deployed over the puncture site.  
         [0121]      FIG. 43  is a full side view of the fluid collection method and apparatus of  FIGS. 41 and 42  showing the distal end of a bandage extended over and covering a puncture site, with a bandage releasably coupled to the slidable member.  
         [0122]      FIG. 44  is a full side view of the fluid collection method and apparatus of  FIGS. 41-43  showing a bandage covering the puncture site and fully disengaged from the slidable member.  
         [0123]      FIG. 45  is a full top view of the blood or fluid collection method and apparatus of  FIGS. 41-44  showing a member or bandage deployed on the same axis as the needle.  
         [0124]      FIG. 46  is a full top view of the blood or fluid collection method and apparatus of the present invention showing a member or bandage deployed on a different axis relative to the axis of the needle.  
         [0125]      FIG. 47  is a full top view of a prior art winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus.  
         [0126]      FIG. 48  is a full frontal view of a prior art winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus shown in  FIG. 47  with the plurality of flexible protrusions or wings on the hub body being bent or folded approximately 90° relative to the needle axis.  
         [0127]      FIG. 49  is a full top view of a passive winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of the present invention including a deployable member, unfoldable from a first position, and releasably coupled to the flexible wings.  
         [0128]      FIG. 50  is a full top view of a winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIG. 49  with the deployable member or bandage now folded or moved to a second position covering the puncture site.  
         [0129]      FIG. 51  is a full top view of a winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIGS. 49 and 50  with the deployable member or bandage covering the puncture site and the needle and hub being moved axially away from said puncture site and flexible wings.  
         [0130]      FIG. 52  is a full top view of a winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIGS. 49-51  with the deployable member or bandage covering the puncture site, now safely separated from said apparatus.  
         [0131]      FIG. 53  is a full frontal view of the passive winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIGS. 49-52  having plurality of flexible protrusions or wings, on the hub body, being bent or folded approximately 90° relative to the needle axis.  
         [0132]      FIG. 54  is a full top view of another embodiment of the passive winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of the present invention comprising a deployable member in a first position and releasably coupled to a sliding sleeve member.  
         [0133]      FIG. 55  is a full frontal view of the passive winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIG. 54  having plurality of flexible protrusions or wings, on the hub body, being bent or folded approximately 90° relative to the needle axis.  
         [0134]      FIG. 56  is a full top view of a winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIGS. 54 and 55  with the deployable member or bandage now unfolded or moved to a second position covering the puncture site, yet still releasably coupled to the sliding sleeve hub body.  
         [0135]      FIG. 57  is a full top view of a winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIGS. 54-56  with the deployable member or bandage covering the puncture site, now safely separated from said sliding sleeve apparatus.  
         [0136]      FIG. 58  is a full top view of another embodiment of the winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of the present invention having a slidable deployable member or bandage now moved to a second position covering the puncture site.  
         [0137]      FIG. 59  is a full top view of a winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIG. 58  with the deployable member or bandage covering the puncture site, now safely separated from said sliding sleeve apparatus.  
         [0138]      FIG. 60  is a full side view of a prior art hypodermic needle puncturing a stopper of a vial.  
         [0139]      FIG. 61  is a full side view of a hypodermic needle of the present invention with a depth indicator formed on the needle.  
         [0140]      FIG. 62  is a full side view of the hypodermic needle shown in  FIG. 61  shown penetrating a stopper of a medicine vial.  
         [0141]      FIG. 63  is a full bottom view of a bandage with an adhesive coated surface, an absorbent area and an aperture for releasably attaching said bandage to a needle guard.  
         [0142]      FIG. 64  is a full side view of an exposed, ready to use hypodermic needle and a partial cutaway view of a slidable needle guard having a movable needle trap shown in a first operable position, said needle trap having a releasable adhesive coated bandage ready to deploy and a mechanical lock joining the bandage to the needle guard.  
         [0143]      FIG. 65  is a full side view of a covered hypodermic needle on a slidable needle guard of  FIG. 64  showing the movable needle trap in a second position protective position covering the needle tip and the adhesive coated bandage released from the lock of the needle guard.  
         [0144]      FIG. 66  is a full isometric view of a needle protective apparatus of the present invention showing an exposed hypodermic needle having a needle guard with an adhesive coated bandage being initially deployed from the needle guard and the release liner automatically being separated from the adhesive face or faces of the bandage.  
         [0145]      FIG. 67  is a full isometric view of a needle protective apparatus of the present invention showing an uncovered hypodermic needle having a needle guard with the bandage being further deployed from the needle guard and the release liner being fully separated from the adhesive face or faces of the bandage.  
         [0146]      FIG. 68  is a full side view of an exposed, ready to use hypodermic needle and a partial cutaway view of a slidable needle guard having a movable needle trap shown in a first operable position with a releasable bandage shown in a first operable position and mechanically locked to said movable need trap where the adhesive face of said bandage has a releasable liner attached to said adhesive face of said bandage and a portion of said liner is also secured to said needle guard.  
         [0147]      FIG. 69  is a full side view of a covered hypodermic needle and a partial cutaway view of the slidable needle guard of  FIG. 68  showing the movable needle trap in a second position covering the needle tip with the movable needle trap having a plurality of skirts forming a containment chamber with the releasable bandage shown in a second covering position over a puncture site now fully separated from the lock of said need trap where a portion of the adhesive face of said bandage has separated from the releasable liner attached to said adhesive face of said bandage, and a portion of said liner is secured to said needle guard.  
         [0148]      FIG. 70  is a full side view of a covered hypodermic needle and a partial cutaway view of the slidable needle guard of  FIGS. 68 and 69  showing the movable needle trap in a second locked position covering the needle tip with the movable needle trap having a plurality of a skirts forming a containment chamber with the releasable bandage shown in a third covering position now fully separated from said needle guard where the entire adhesive face of said bandage has completely separated from the releasable liner that is secured to said needle guard.  
         [0149]      FIG. 71  is a full top view of a sheet, flat or plate of material having a series of cut outs, stampings and foldable portions for bending and forming into a needle guard with at least one movable needle trap having a lock for securing a releasable member or bandage to said needle guard, a means for locking the needle trap in a second position covering an aperture and containing a needle tip, and a means for joining portions of said needle guard together.  
         [0150]      FIG. 72  is a full top view of the sheet, flat or plate of material of  FIG. 71  showing a partially formed movable needle guard having a plurality of members forming a barrier, containment chamber and protrusion formed by folding and bending portions of said sheet.  
         [0151]      FIG. 73  is a full front view of a hypodermic needle and the needle guard of the present invention formed from a single sheet, flat or plate of material having a movable needle trap with a lock for securing a releasable member or bandage through an aperture, a means for locking the needle trap in a second position to contain a needle tip within the needle guard, and an aperture for a hypodermic needle and a means for joining portions of said sheet, flat or plate together.  
         [0152]      FIG. 74  is a full rear view of the needle guard of  FIG. 73  having an aperture for a hypodermic needle, said aperture may also be a limiting means.  
         [0153]      FIG. 75  is a full top view of the needle guard of  FIGS. 73 and 74  having a hinged movable needle trap with a lock for securing a releasable member or bandage through an aperture, a plurality of protrusions for locking the needle trap in a second position to contain a needle tip within the needle guard, and a means for joining portions of said sheet, flat or plate together to create said needle guard.  
         [0154]      FIG. 76  is a full front view of the needle guard of  FIG. 73  formed from a single sheet, flat or plate of material showing the movable needle trap locked in a second position covering the needle tip and closing the aperture.  
         [0155]      FIG. 77  is a full and partial cutaway side view of the needle guard of  FIG. 72  in the first phase of forming.  
         [0156]      FIG. 78  is a full side view of the needle guard of  FIG. 77  having a top, front and rear members created by bending or folding portions of said sheet, flat or plate to create said needle guard.  
         [0157]      FIG. 79  is a full side view of the needle guard of  FIG. 77  and  78  having a top, front, rear and joinable members created by bending or folding portions of said sheet, flat or plate to create said needle guard.  
         [0158]      FIG. 80  is a full side view of the needle guard of  FIG. 77, 78  and  79  having a top, bottom, rear and front created by and bending and joining portions of said sheet, flat or plate to create said needle guard that is ready to accept a hypodermic needle and releasable bandage. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0159]     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.  
         [0160]     A means to indicate or cover the hypodermic puncture or wound site or a needle tip housing with a puncture site indicating or covering means is described. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processing steps have not been shown in particular detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Additionally, it should be noted that throughout this discussion reference will be made to a variety of hypodermic needle devices such as fillable syringes, prefilled syringes, prefilled cartridge syringes, blood collection devices, percutaneous entry needles, implanted port needles and catheters. It is appreciated, however, that the present invention is not limited to these devices, and may be used in any application where it is desirable to provide a means to indicate or cover the puncture site, or a housing at the tip of a needle or other elongated object in combination with a means to indicate or cover the puncture or wound site. A method and apparatus to limit the penetration depth of a hypodermic needle is also disclosed.  
         [0161]     It should also be understood that the various aspects of the present invention disclosed herein can easily be adapted to all types of procedures where a needle may be used, including, but not limited to, neurological, urological, central venous, oximetry, thermodilution, PTCA, PTA, angiography, atherectomy, electrophysiology, suction and wound drainage, cardiovascular, pulmonary and spinal catheters. The present invention described herein can also be easily adapted to a blood collection needle, or any other needles used in invasive procedures, including, but not limited to, angiography, cardiovascular, ophthalmologic, neurology, orthopedic, dentistry, veterinary, chemotherapy and arterial blood gas.  
         [0162]      FIG. 1  is a full side view of a prior art injection method and apparatus with fluid being administered by syringe  1  having needle  10  with a sharpened distal tip  11  inserted in tissue  76 . Needle  10  is shown in broken lines below the surface of the skin. Movement “M” of the plunger rod pushes fluid through needle  10  into tissue  76 .  
         [0163]      FIG. 2  is a full side view of the prior art injection method and apparatus of  FIG. 1  with syringe  1  and needle  10  fully removed from the puncture site  95 , movement indicated by bold arrow, and bandage  87  being placed on puncture site  95  of tissue  76 .  
         [0164]      FIG. 3  is a full side view of the prior art injection method and apparatus of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with syringe  1  and the needle  10  fully removed from puncture site  95  and bandage  87  covering the puncture site of tissue  76 .  
         [0165]      FIG. 4  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of the present invention showing fluid being administered by syringe  101  having needle  110  with a sharpened distal tip  111  inserted in tissue  76 . Syringe  101  and/or needle  110  includes a puncture site marker or indicator  102  at the proximal end of needle  110  that marks the puncture site during the procedure. Needle  110  is shown in broken lines below the surface of the skin. Movement “M” of the plunger rod pushes fluid through needle  110  into tissue  76 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, many diameters of hypodermic needles can be very small, and marking the puncture site during the procedure will assist the clinician in determining the exact location for applying a covering or bandage.  
         [0166]     Any syringe disclosed herein may include an integrally “staked,” or permanently bonded needle, a removable needle, a luer slip or luer lock fitting, may be fillable or prefilled, or include a self-destructive, one time use apparatus.  
         [0167]     All the detachable members or bandages disclosed herein may include an adhesive coating, an absorbent material, and a selectively removable protective sheet covering the adhesive coating or absorbent material. The absorbent material may include or any type of medication that reduces infection probability, such as, but limited to, antibiotics, antimicrobials, vitamins, ointments or the like.  
         [0168]      FIG. 5  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of  FIG. 4  showing syringe  101  being withdrawn, movement indicated by bold arrow, from tissue  76  and puncture site  95  that is indicated by indicator  4 , marking the exact location of puncture site  95 . Mark  4  is deposited or dispensed by indicator  102  of syringe  101  and may comprise an ink, dye, pigment or colorant distinguishable from color of skin, and may include any ointment, antibiotic, antimicrobial, or the like to reduce infection probability.  
         [0169]      FIG. 6  is a full side view of the passive injection method and apparatus of the present invention showing fluid being administered by syringe  101  and needle  10  inserted in tissue  76 . Syringe  101  and/or needle  110  includes needle housing  22  having detachable member  59  at the proximal end of needle  110  that contacts and covers the puncture site during the procedure. Needle  110 , having a change in profile  103  located on the needle shaft to limit axial movement of needle housing  22 , is shown in broken lines below the surface of the skin. Said detachable member  59 , is releasably coupled to said needle housing  22  by an adhesive, frictional, mechanical, separable, tearable or rotational means, and may include an adhesive and absorbent material. Said member  59  is releasably coupled to housing  22 . Movement “M” of the plunger rod pushes fluid through needle  110  into tissue  76 . A resilient member or spring may be included to urge a needle guard to the distal end of the needle in any of the embodiments disclosed herein.  
         [0170]      FIG. 7  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of  FIG. 6  showing syringe  101  being withdrawn, indicated by bold arrow, from the puncture site that is covered with a bandage or detachable member  59  that is releasably attached to needle housing  22 . The fluid in syringe  101  has been administered to the patient or infusion port. Pressure “P” is shown being applied to at least one portion of the bandage  59  during needle  110  removal.  
         [0171]      FIG. 8  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of  FIGS. 6 and 7  showing syringe  101  fully withdrawn from the puncture site that is covered with a bandage or removable member  59  that is now released from needle housing  22 . Pressure “P” is applied to bandage  59  after needle  110  removal. The distal needle tip is safely covered in housing  22 .  
         [0172]      FIG. 9  is a full side view of the passive injection method and apparatus of the present invention showing syringe  101  being withdrawn, indicated by bold arrow, from tissue  76  at the puncture site that is covered with a bandage or detachable member  159  that is releasably attached to needle housing  122 . Axial movement of needle guard  122  is limited by tether  124 . The fluid in syringe  101  has been administered to the patient or infusion port. Pressure “P” is shown being applied to at least one portion of bandage  159  during needle  110  removal. Said detachable member  159  having slit  89 , is releasably coupled to said needle housing  122 , and may include an adhesive and absorbent material.  
         [0173]      FIG. 10  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of  FIG. 9  showing syringe  101  fully withdrawn from tissue  76  that is covered with bandage or removable member  159  at the puncture site, said bandage  159  is now released from needle housing  122 , with tether  124  limiting the axial movement of needle housing  22  along needle  110 . Pressure “P” is applied to bandage  159  having slit  89 , after needle  110  removal. The needle tip is safely covered in needle housing  122 .  
         [0174]      FIG. 11  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of the present invention showing fluid being administered by syringe  201  with a retracting needle  210  with said needle  210  and sharpened tip  211  inserted in tissue  76 . Syringe  201  and/or needle  210  includes a detachable member  259  at the proximal end of needle  210  that covers the puncture site during the procedure. The needle retraction mechanism can be activated by either further advancing the plunger after the medication is administered, or by securing the distal end  202  of syringe  201  and moving the body of the syringe  201  away from the distal end  202  of syringe  201  or puncture site, thus allowing needle  210  to retract into syringe  201  body. Needle  210  and tip  211  are shown in broken lines below the surface of the skin. Said detachable member  259  is releasably coupled to said distal end of syringe  202  or syringe  210 , and may include an adhesive and absorbent material.  
         [0175]      FIG. 12  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of  FIG. 11  showing needle  210  fully retracted into syringe body  201  and the puncture site covered with a bandage or removable member  259  that is released from syringe apparatus  201 . Pressure “P” is applied to bandage  259  after needle  210  retraction. Needle  210  and resilient member or spring  219  are shown in broken lines inside the syringe body  201 . Needle  210  is safely inside syringe  201 . Retraction means may include a vacuum, an elastomeric member or the like.  
         [0176]      FIG. 13  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of the present invention showing fluid being administered by syringe  301  having a movable sliding sleeve  322  with needle  310  inserted in tissue  76 . Sliding sleeve  322  includes a detachable member  359  at the distal end of the sleeve  322  that covers the puncture site during the procedure. Needle  310  and tip  311  are shown in broken lines below the surface of the skin. Said detachable member  359 , is releasably coupled to said sliding sleeve  322 , and may include an adhesive and absorbent material.  
         [0177]      FIG. 14  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of  FIG. 13  showing sliding sleeve  322  fully deployed over the needle  310  and the puncture site covered with bandage or removable member  359  that is releasably coupled to said sliding sleeve  322 .  
         [0178]      FIG. 15  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of the present invention showing fluid being administered by syringe  401  having needle  410  with a distal sharpened tip  411 , with a movable sliding sleeve  422 , with needle  410  inserted in tissue  76 . Sleeve  422  includes detachable member  459  at the distal end of sleeve  422  that covers the puncture site during the procedure. Needle  410  and tip  411  are shown in broken lines below the surface of the skin.  
         [0179]      FIG. 16  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of  FIG. 15  showing sliding sleeve  422  fully deployed over needle  410  and the puncture site covered with bandage or removable member  459  that is released from guard  422 . Said detachable member  459 , is releasably coupled to said sleeve  422 , and may include an adhesive and absorbent material.  
         [0180]      FIG. 17  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of the present invention showing fluid being administered by syringe  101  having needle  110  with a distal sharpened tip  111 , with a puncture site cover  149  with needle  110  inserted in tissue  76 . Syringe  101  or needle  110  includes detachable member  149  at the distal end of the apparatus that covers the puncture site during the procedure. Needle  110  and tip  111  are shown in broken lines below the surface of the skin. Detachable member  149  can be deployed or unfolded by a distal protrusion  141  or proximal protrusion  142 . A protective sheet  140  is removable from detachable member  149  by a distal protrusion  141 , or protective sheet  143  is removable from detachable member  149  by a proximal protrusion  142 . Said detachable member  149 , is releasably coupled to said needle  110  or syringe  101 , and may include an adhesive and absorbent material.  
         [0181]      FIG. 18  is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of  FIG. 17  showing needle  110  fully removed from the puncture site and detachable member or bandage  149  ready to be attached to the surface adjacent to the puncture site. Bandage  149  may include a distal protrusion  141  or proximal protrusion  142 .  
         [0182]      FIG. 19  is a cross sectional side view of a hypodermic apparatus of the present invention that includes a puncture site indicator comprising needle  10  attached to hub  14 , said needle  10  having a sharpened distal tip  11 , and a means  29  to mark or indicate a puncture site. Puncture site indicator  29  comprises a material that deposits a dye, coloring, pigment or the like on the tissue or surface at the puncture site when the entire length of needle  10  is inserted into tissue and distal end of hub  14  contacts the tissue or a separate surface during the procedure. Puncture site indicator  29  may be an integral, or a removable part of hub  14 .  
         [0183]      FIG. 20  is a cross sectional side view of a hypodermic apparatus of the present invention that includes a movable puncture site indicator comprising puncture site indicator  129  on needle  10  having a sharpened distal tip  11  and hub  14  at proximal end of needle  10 , said movable puncture site marker  129  having an aperture  47  therethrough. Puncture site indicator  129  is releasably retained adjacent to the proximal end of needle  10  and engages skin or tissue when entire length of needle  10  is inserted into tissue. Removable puncture site indicator  129  may comprise a material that disperses or deposits a dye, coloring, an anesthetic, antimicrobial or other medication at the puncture site when the entire length of the needle  10  is inserted into tissue and the puncture site indicator  129  engages surface or tissue. An adhesive, mechanical, frictional, breakable or rotational means may also retain puncture site indicator  129  adjacent to needle hub  14  prior to the insertion procedure. An adhesive may also selectively attach puncture site indicator  129  to tissue during the insertion procedure. Puncture site indicator  129  may be manually slid along ax is of needle  10  during procedures where the entire length of needle  10  is not inserted into tissue.  
         [0184]      FIG. 21  is a cross sectional side view of the removable puncture site indicator of  FIG. 20  showing puncture site indicator  129  having an aperture  47 , separated from needle  10  having a sharpened distal tip  11  and hub  14  at proximal end of needle  10 . Puncture site indicator  129  may include an adhesive to selectively attach puncture site indicator  129  to tissue during or after the insertion procedure.  
         [0185]      FIG. 22 . is a full front view of the removable puncture site indicator of  FIGS. 20 and 21  along axis  22 - 22  comprising a slidable puncture site indicator  129  having an aperture  47  with a needle  10  therethrough.  
         [0186]      FIG. 23  is a cut away side view of slidable puncture site indicator  229  of the present invention on a cross sectional view of needle  10  having a sharpened distal tip  11 , slidable puncture site indicator  229  being releasable retained adjacent slidable member  222  by an adhesive, formed, mechanical, frictional, separable, tearable or rotational means. Slidable puncture site indicator  229  having an aperture  247  allowing puncture site indicator  229  and member  222  to be placed, and slide axially on, needle  10 . Slidable member  222  may incorporate any of the features of any needle guard embodiments disclosed in the specification and drawings of this document.  
         [0187]      FIG. 24 a  cut away side view of slidable puncture site indicator of  FIG. 23  shown on a cross sectional view of needle  10  having a sharpened distal tip  11 , slidable puncture site indicator  229  being moved to the distal end of needle  10  for marking a puncture site.  
         [0188]      FIG. 25  is a full front view of the puncture site indicator of  FIG. 23  in axis  25 - 25  comprising a needle  10  through aperture  247  of slidable puncture site indicator  229  being releasably attached to slidable member  222 .  
         [0189]      FIG. 26  is a full top view of a bandage of the present invention for covering a puncture site comprising a puncture site cover  329  that may include an adhesive coating for attachment to tissue, an absorbent member  187  or portion, shown in broken lines on the underside of said bandage  329 , and a slit  189 . Slit  189  makes it possible to side load puncture site cover  329  onto a needle apparatus or needle. Slit  189  may include portions that overlap and adhere to each other. Absorbent portion  187  of puncture site cover  329  may include an anesthetic, antimicrobial or other medication. Any puncture site cover embodiments shown in this document may include a means or aperture for mechanically retaining a puncture site indicator or cover to any needle guard disclosed herein.  
         [0190]      FIG. 26  is a full top view of a different embodiment of the puncture site cover of the present invention for covering a puncture site comprising a puncture site covering  429  having an adhesive coating for attaching to tissue, an absorbent member or portion  287 , shown in broken lines on the underside of said bandage  329 , and a slit or aperture  289 . Slit or aperture  289  allows bandage  429  to accommodate needle  10 . Slit  289  may include portions that overlap and adhere to each other. Absorbent or dispensing portion  287  of puncture site cover  259  may include an anesthetic, antimicrobial or other medication.  
         [0191]      FIG. 28  is a full top view of a puncture site indicator or cover of the present invention showing puncture site cover or indicator  529  having an aperture  347  and tab or protrusion  321 . Tab  321  may be used to attach puncture site cover  529  to tissue. Tab  321  may also be folded over and used to cover aperture  347  of puncture site cover  529 .  
         [0192]      FIG. 29  is a full side view of a simple, one-piece needle housing or member  22  on needle  110  having a sharpened distal tip  111  and change in profile  103  which may be utilized to deploy the site indicator or puncture site covers of the present invention. Needle housing  22  includes an inner chamber or cavity  431  for engaging change in profile  1033  of needle  110  there within.  
         [0193]      FIG. 30  is a full side view of the one-piece needle housing of  FIG. 29  showing housing  22  locked on the distal end of needle  110 . Change in profile  103  of needle  110  is also confined within the housing  22 . In this regard, housing  22  is axially moved along needle  110  where inner chamber  431  of housing  22  binds, engages, impacts, locks or interferes with change in profile  103  of needle  110 . Housing  22  includes an aperture  447  allowing such housing  22  to slide on needle As will be appreciated, housing  22  may also comprise a plurality of corresponding sections that create a similar configuration when joined together.  
         [0194]      FIG. 31  is a cut away front view of the housing of  FIGS. 29 and 30  along axis  31 - 31  comprising a member  22 , an aperture  447  and an inner chamber or cavity  431 .  
         [0195]      FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the housing of the present invention with sliding member  123 , shown in a side cut away view, locked or bound at the distal end of the needle  110 . Said apparatus has a needle  110  with sliding member  123  with an aperture therethrough comprising a proximal section  124 , an enlarged intermediate section  131 , an intermediate section  125  sized similarly to said proximal section  124 , and an enlarged distal section  126  that provides a “relief” section that does not engage needle  110  or change in profile  103  as guard  123  is moved toward the distal end of needle  110 . Said needle  110  having a change in profile  103  on the needle  110  shaft to limit axial movement of said sliding member  123 . When said member  123  is slid toward the distal end of needle  110 , distal section  126  of said member  123  is larger than change in profile  103  of needle  110  and said distal section  126  does not contact said change in profile  103 , allowing initial contact or interference to be made by intermediate section  125 . Axial movement of slidable member  123  is limited by engagement of said change in profile  103  in enlarged intermediate section  131  of said member  123 . Proximal aperture or shaft  124  includes a diameter approximately equal to diameter of intermediate section  125 . Change in profile  103  of the needle  110  shaft and distal needle tip  111  are confined within said sliding member  123 .  
         [0196]      FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the present invention with sliding member or needle guard  223  located on said needle  110  shaft, said needle  110  having change in profile  103  to limit axial movement of said sliding member  223 , wherein said sliding member  223  is capable of going off axis to trap needle tip  111  in guard  223  when distal protrusion  227  moves in front of distal needle tip  111 . Sliding member  223  has a larger proximal aperture or opening  234  and distal aperture or opening  226  relative to inner sections  231 ,  224  and  225 , and a protrusion  227  on the distal end sliding member  223 . Change in profile  103  lodges or binds in inner section  231  to stop axial movement of said needle guard  223  on needle  110 . When member  223  is slid toward the distal end of needle  110 , distal section  226  of said member  223  is larger than change in profile  103  of needle  110  and said distal section  226  does not contact said change in profile  103 , allowing initial contact or interference to be made by intermediate section  225 . Axial movement of slidable member  123  is limited by engagement of said change in profile  103  in enlarged intermediate section  231  of said member  223 .  
         [0197]      FIG. 34  is a cross-sectional side view of  FIG. 33  with the sliding member  223  locked at the distal end of the needle  110 , said sliding member  223  capable of going off axis to trap needle tip  111  in guard  223  when distal protrusion  227  moves in front of distal needle tip  111 . Said needle  110  having a change in profile  103  intermediate on the needle shaft to limit axial movement of said sliding member  223 . Said distal needle tip  111  now being contained within distal portion of said sliding member  223  and positioned behind said protrusion  227  on the distal end of said larger aperture  226 .  
         [0198]      FIG. 35  illustrates a needle of the present invention comprising a needle  110  having an elongated change in profile  203 , that includes a proximal portion  204  and a distal portion  205 , near the sharpened needle tip  111  with a sliding bushing or washer  130  on the needle  110 . Change in profile  203  of needle  10  may comprise at least one elongated portion, and may comprise a plurality of deformations  204  and  205 . Along these lines, change in profile  203  of needle  110  may comprise a plurality of deformations  204  and  205  that create recess  203  on needle  110 . In this regard, sliding member  130  may axially slide past first proximal deformation  204  and lock between said proximal deformation  204  and distal deformation  205  in recess  203  on needle  110 .  
         [0199]      FIG. 36  is a full side view of needle  110  and a cut away view of a needle housing or sliding member  1022  of the present invention illustrating a needle  110  having a plurality of changes in profile  203 ,  204  and  205  near the sharpened needle tip  111  with sliding member  1022  located on said needle  110 . Said sliding member  1022  having a plurality of inner chambers or cavities  231 ,  232  and  233  for engaging changes in profile  203 ,  204  or  205  of said needle  110 . Said inner chamber  232  may also individually engage change in profile  204 .  
         [0200]      FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional side view of the needle of  FIG. 36  with the sliding member  1022  locked at the distal end of the needle  110 , said member  1022  covering sharpened needle tip  111 . The changes in profile  203 ,  204  and  205  of needle  110  are confined within inner chambers or cavities  231 ,  232  and  233  of said sliding member  1022  that is shown in a cut away side view. Change in profile  213  may comprise a thicker wall section of additional material.  
         [0201]      FIG. 38  is a full side view of a prior art fluid collection method and apparatus with fluid being removed by a vacuum tube  106  that is punctured by the proximal end of a double ended needle  120  that is inserted in blood vessel  195  of tissue  76  at puncture site  95 . Needle  120  is removably held in needle holder  45 . Blood vessel  195  is shown in broken lines below the surface of the skin. Multiple samples can be taken with a single needle  120  by inserting a variety of blood collection tubes  106  into the needle holder  45 . As is well-known, risk of injury to the clinician is very high after needle withdrawal if they are stuck with the contaminated needle that is now filled with the patient&#39;s blood.  
         [0202]      FIG. 39  is a full side view of the inferior prior art fluid collection method and apparatus of  FIG. 38  with the contaminated, exposed needle  120  fully removed from blood vessel  195  of tissue  76  and bandage  87  being placed on puncture site  95 . Blood vessel  195  is shown in broken lines below the surface of the skin. Needle  120  is removably held in needle holder  45 . Pressure is applied to a cotton ball that is often placed over puncture site  95  before needle  120  is removed from puncture site  95  to absorb any fluid that leaks from puncture site  95  after needle  110  is removed from blood vessel  195 . A bandage  87  is then placed over cotton ball to secure it to the skin.  
         [0203]      FIG. 40  is a full side view of the interior prior art fluid collection method and apparatus of  FIG. 38  and  39  with the contaminated, exposed needle  120  fully removed from tissue  76  and bandage  87  fully placed over puncture site  95 . Needle  120  is removably held in needle holder  45 . Continued pressure is applied to bandage  87  securing it to the skin.  
         [0204]      FIG. 41  is a full side view of the passive fluid collection method and apparatus of the present invention showing fluid being collected with a safety hypodermic apparatus that includes a needle guard  522  with a deployable puncture site cover  589 . The fluid is removed by vacuum tube  106  that is punctured by the proximal end, covered by boot  548 , of double ended needle  510  that is inserted through tissue  76  at puncture site  95  and into a blood vessel  195 . Blood vessel  195  is shown in broken lines below the surface of the skin. Slidable member  522  is shown in a full side view on needle  510 , adjacent to needle holder  504 , shown in a cut away view. Puncture site cover  559  is releasably attached to slidable member  522  by adhesive, frictional or mechanical means or the like. Puncture site cover  559  may include an absorbent portion  588 , an adhesive portion for attaching bandage  559  to tissue and may include a tab  521  to assist in deploying bandage  559  over puncture site  95 . The bold straight arrow indicates movement of the needle apparatus into the blood vessel.  
         [0205]     The multitude of hypodermic needle apparatus shown herein disclose puncture site indicators or covers  29 ,  59 ,  102 ,  129 ,  149 ,  159 ,  229 ,  259 ,  359 ,  459  all being deployable along the axis of the needle and may include an aperture suitable to surround a needle  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410 . The multitude of hypodermic needle apparatus shown herein disclose puncture site indicators or covers  559 ,  659 ,  859 ,  959  and  1059  all being deployable from a side of a needle  510 ,  610 ,  810 ,  910  and  1110 . An aperture may be included on a portion of the puncture site cover for releasably attaching the puncture site cover to a hypodermic needle or apparatus. Although the puncture site cover  559  is shown folded twice in this embodiment, it is noted that a variety of folds may be used to store and deploy the puncture site cover. The puncture site covers disclosed herein may also include a puncture proof material or armor to reduce needle penetration probability. At least one fold may be used to retain puncture site cover adjacent to, or within, a needle guard or hypodermic apparatus. The puncture site cover may be deployed by a sliding, unrolling, unfolding or other extending or deployable means.  
         [0206]      FIG. 42  is a full side view of the fluid collection method and apparatus of  FIG. 41  showing needle guard  522  with puncture site cover  559  being deployed over puncture site  95  with needle  510  still in blood vessel  195 . Needle holder  504 , shown in a cut away view, holds needle  510  now remaining in blood vessel  195  at puncture site  95 . Vacuum tube  106  has now been removed from needle holder  504  with boot  548  covering proximal end of needle  510  where distal end of needle  510  remains in blood vessel  195  at puncture site  95 . Boot  548  on needle  510  keeps blood in needle  510  from leaking into needle holder  504 . Blood vessel  195  is shown in broken lines below the surface of the skin  76 . Slidable member  522  is shown in a full side view on needle  510 , adjacent to needle holder  504 . A curved arrow shows puncture site cover  559  being unfolded or deployed from the side of slidable member  522 . Puncture site cover  559  is releasably attached to member  522  by an adhesive, frictional or mechanical means or the like. Puncture site cover  559  includes an absorbent portion  587 , an adhesive portion for attaching bandage  559  to tissue and may include a tab  521  to assist in deploying bandage  559  over puncture site  95 .  
         [0207]      FIG. 43  is a full side view of the fluid collection method and apparatus of  FIGS. 41 and 42  showing a needle  510  safely trapped within slidable member  522  with puncture site  95  cover safely deployed over puncture site  95  with needle  510  fully removed from blood vessel  195 . Blood vessel  195  is shown in broken lines below the surface of the skin  76 . Slidable member  522  is shown in a full side view on needle  510 , adjacent to needle holder  504 . A straight arrow “P” indicates manual pressure being placed near or on puncture site  95  and shows puncture site cover  559  fully unfolded and releasably attached to slidable member  522 . Puncture site cover  559  is releasably attached to needle guard  522  by an adhesive, frictional or mechanical means or the like. Puncture site cover  559  includes an absorbent portion  587  now covering puncture site  95 , and an adhesive portion for attaching bandage  559  to tissue  76 . Puncture site cover  559  is fully deployed over puncture site  95  and needle  510  is safely removed from blood vessel  195  and puncture site  95 .  
         [0208]      FIG. 44  is a full side view of the fluid collection method and apparatus of  FIGS. 41-43  showing needle  510  safely trapped within needle guard  522  with disengaged puncture site cover  559  safely covering puncture site  95  after needle  510  is fully removed from blood vessel  195 . Needle holder  504  holds covered needle  510  now safely removed from blood vessel  195  and puncture site  95 . Blood vessel  195  is shown in broken lines below the surface of skin  76 . Slidable member  522  is shown in a full side view axially extending about needle  510 , adjacent to needle holder  504 . A straight arrow “P” indicates manual pressure being placed on puncture site  95  and shows puncture site cover  559  fully unfolded, deployed and separated from slidable member  522 . Puncture site cover  559  is releasably attached to member  522  by an adhesive, frictional or mechanical means or the like. Puncture site cover  559  includes an absorbent portion  587  now covering puncture site  95 , and an adhesive portion for attaching bandage  559  to tissue  76 .  
         [0209]      FIG. 45  is a full top view of the blood or fluid collection method and apparatus of  FIGS. 41-44  showing a member or bandage  559  deployed on the same axis as the needle  510 . Said cover  559  may include and adhesive coating and an absorbent material  588 .  
         [0210]      FIG. 46  is a full top view of the blood or fluid collection method and apparatus of the present invention showing a member or bandage  659  deployed on a different axis relative to the axis of the needle  610 . Said deployable member  659  is releasably coupled to said needle guard  622 , and may include an adhesive coating and absorbent material  688 .  
         [0211]      FIG. 47  is a full top view of a prior art winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus comprising needle  710  with sharpened distal end  711 , having a proximal end attached to hub  715 , and a plurality of flexible protrusions or wings  716  and  717  on said hub body  715  and a flexible tube  713  being attachable, usually by a luer fitting, to an infusion line or blood collection tube holder.  
         [0212]      FIG. 48  is a full frontal view of a prior art winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus shown in  FIG. 47  having a hub body  715  with the plurality of flexible protrusions or wings  716  and  717  being bent or folded approximately 90° relative to needle  710  axis. Said wings  716  and  717  are usually gripped in this manner by the user to aid in the insertion of needle  710  into tissue.  
         [0213]      FIG. 49  is a full top view of a passive winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of the present invention comprising a needle  810  with a sharpened distal end  811 , having a proximal end attached to hub  815 , and a plurality of flexible protrusions or wings  816  and  817  on said hub body  815  and a trailing tube  813  being attachable, usually by a luer fitting, to an infusion line or blood collection tube holder. A deployable member  859  is shown being unfoldable from a first position, and releasably coupled to said flexible wings  816  and  817 , and may include an adhesive and absorbent material  888  shown on the top surface of member  859 . Needle tip  811  is inserted into a blood vessel and fluid is infused into the patient, or a blood sample may be obtained when the trailing end  813  is connected to a vacuum tube or syringe.  
         [0214]      FIG. 50  is a full top view of a winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIG. 49  with the deployable member or bandage  859  now folded or moved to a second position covering the puncture site, yet still releasably coupled to wings or protrusions  816  and  817 . Needle  810  is shown in full view, but is actually still inserted blood vessel. Absorbent material  888  is shown on underside of bandage in broken lines. Pressure is placed on bandage  859  to anchor or stabilize said bandage  859  at puncture site.  
         [0215]      FIG. 51  is a full top view of a winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIGS. 49 and 50  with the deployable member or bandage  859  covering puncture site and needle  810  and hub  815  being moved axially away from said puncture site and said bandage  859  that is releasably coupled to winged section  816  and  817 . Pressure is maintained on said deployable member  859  or wings  816  or  817 , anchoring bandage/wings at said puncture site. A means for securing winged section  816  and  817  to distal end of needle  810  may include a binding or gripping means, a limiting means such as a tether attached to said hub, or a change in profile that engages a slidable needle guard as disclosed in other embodiments in this application.  
         [0216]      FIG. 52  is a full top view of a winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIGS. 49-51  with the deployable member or bandage  859  safely covering the puncture site, now safely separated from said needle apparatus. Pressure is maintained on said bandage  859  at said puncture site to stop bleeding. The needle tip  811  is contained within wings  816  and  817 .  
         [0217]      FIG. 53  is a full frontal view of the passive winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIGS. 49-52  having hub body  815  and a plurality of flexible protrusions or wings  816  and  817  being bent or folded approximately 90° relative to needle  810  axis. Said wings  816  and  817  are usually gripped in this manner by the user to aid in the insertion of the needle  810  into tissue. A deployable member  859  is releasably coupled to said wings  816  and  817 .  
         [0218]      FIG. 54  is a full top view of another embodiment of the passive winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of the present invention comprising a needle  910  with a sharpened distal end  911 , having a proximal end attached to hub  915 , and a plurality of flexible protrusions or wings  916  and  917 , a sliding sleeve hub body  914  and trailing tube  913  being attachable, usually by a luer fitting, to an infusion line or blood collection tube holder. Deployable member  959  is shown in a first position and releasably coupled to said sliding sleeve  914 , and may include an adhesive and absorbent material  988 .  
         [0219]      FIG. 55  is a full frontal view of the passive winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIG. 54  having plurality of flexible protrusions or wings  916  and  917  on hub body  915  being bent or folded approximately 90° relative to needle  910  axis. Said wings  916  and  917  are usually gripped in this manner by the user to aid in the insertion of the needle into tissue. Deployable member  959  is releasably coupled to said sliding sleeve hub body  914 .  
         [0220]      FIG. 56  is a full top view of a winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIGS. 54 and 55  with the deployable member or bandage  959  now unfolded or moved to a second position covering the puncture site, yet still releasably coupled to sliding sleeve hub body  914 . Deployable member  959  is shown covering puncture site. Absorbent material  988  is shown on underside of bandage in broken lines. Pressure “P” anchors bandage  959  at puncture site while hub  915  is moved “M” away from said bandage  959  and sliding sleeve  914 .  
         [0221]      FIG. 57  is a full top view of a winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIGS. 54-56  with the deployable member or bandage  959  covering the puncture site, now safely separated from said sliding sleeve apparatus  914 . Pressure is maintained on said bandage  959  at said puncture site to stop bleeding. The needle tip is now safely contained within said sliding sleeve needle guard  914 .  
         [0222]      FIG. 58  is a full top view of another embodiment of the winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of the present invention having a slidable deployable member or bandage  1059  now moved to a second position covering the puncture site, yet still releasably coupled to sliding sleeve hub body  1014 . Deployable member  1059  is shown covering puncture site. Absorbent material  1088  is shown, attached and stored on underside of bandage  1059  in broken lines. Pressure “P” anchors bandage  1059  at puncture site while hub  1015  is moved “M” away from said bandage  1059  and sliding sleeve  1014 .  
         [0223]      FIG. 59  is a full top view of a winged infusion or “butterfly” needle apparatus of  FIG. 58  with slidable, deployable member or bandage  1059  covering the puncture site, now safely separated from sliding sleeve apparatus  1014 . The needle tip is now safely contained within said sliding sleeve needle apparatus  1014 . Pressure “P” anchors bandage  1059  at puncture site to stop bleeding while hub  1015  is moved “M” away from said bandage  1059  and sliding sleeve  1014 .  
         [0224]      FIG. 60  is a cross sectional side view of a prior art hypodermic syringe  101  and needle  10  being inserted into vial  41  through stopper  40  to draw fluid  42  into said syringe  101 . A lubricating film is applied to all hypodermic needles to minimize tissue drag during insertion into tissue.  
         [0225]      FIG. 61  is a cross sectional side view of a hypodermic needle  1110  of the present invention comprising a needle  1110  coated with a lubricating film such as silicone  1112 , a sharpened distal tip  1111  and a visual depth indicator  1103 . Visual depth indicator  1103  may be comprised of any type of change in structure optically visible with or without magnification, or an added mark, that allows user to gauge depth of penetration of needle  1110  into a stopper or tissue.  
         [0226]      FIG. 62  is a cross sectional side view of the hypodermic needle of  FIG. 61  showing the needle  1110  being inserted partially through a stopper  40  of vial  41  to access fluid  42  contained within said vial  41 . If needle  1110  is only partially inserted through stopper  40 , then lubricating film or coating  1112  remains intact to reduce tissue drag when said needle  1110  is inserted into tissue.  
         [0227]      FIG. 63  is a full bottom view of bandage  1259  of the present invention having an adhesive coated surface  1258 , an absorbent member or area  1288  and aperture  1232  for releasably attaching said bandage  1259  to needle guard  1222 .  
         [0228]      FIG. 64  is a full side view of the present invention showing an exposed, ready to use hypodermic needle  1210  having a change in profile or enlargement  1203  on the shaft proximal to the sharpened distal tip  1211  and, and a partial cutaway view of slidable needle guard  1222  having movable needle trap  1241  shown in a first operable position, said needle trap  1241  having a protrusion  1242  for retaining aperture  1232  of member or adhesive coated bandage  1259  in a first operative position, said bandage  1259  having an aperture  1232 , and absorbent member  1288 , extended tab  1221  for gripping, and an adhesive coating  1258 . Needle guard  1222  formed having top  1223  with an axial slot formed by the manufacture of said needle guard  1241  and a front top member  1219 , bottom  1255 , rear  1218  having an aperture for accepting a hypodermic needle  1210  and hinge  1240  connecting movable needle trap  1241  to needle guard  1222 , and a front base side  1217  for joining to said front top member  1219  to form needle guard  1222 .  
         [0229]      FIG. 65  is a full side view the needle protective apparatus  1222  of  FIG. 64  showing a covered and trapped hypodermic needle tip  1211  of hypodermic needle  1210  having a change in profile or enlargement  1203  engaging rear member  1218  of needle guard  1222  limiting axial movement of said guard  1222  and bandage  1259  with absorbent member  1288  positioned over puncture site, said bandage  1259  now extended away from and distal of said guard  1222  with movable needle trap  1241  with protrusion  1242  shown in a second released or retracted position, said protrusion  1242  having released hold on bandage  1259  via insertion through aperture  1232  of bandage  1259 . Said needle trap  1241  having a proximal hinge  1240  connected to said rear member  1218 , and plurality of skirts  1249  and  1245  for creating a containment area or chamber with said guard  1222 . Front base member  1217  and front top member  1219  are joined together by inserting protrusion or coupler  1229  through aperture  1228 .  
         [0230]      FIG. 66  is a full isometric view of a needle protective apparatus  1222  of the present invention showing a partially deployed puncture site cover or bandage  1259  and uncovered hypodermic needle  1210  having a sharpened distal tip  1211  and enlargement  1203  to limit axial movement of guard  1222  on said needle  1210 . Bandage  1259  having an absorbent member  1288  for covering a puncture site and adhesive film or coating  1258  for securing about a puncture site. A releasable liner  1234  surrounds said needle guard  1222  and maintains sterility of absorbent member  1288  during storage before use. As extended end  1221  of bandage  1259  is moved away from guard  1222 , releasable liner  1234  remains attached to said guard  1222 , exposing adhesive  1258  and absorbent member  1288 . Slot, void or aperture  1247  is created by joining front base member  1217  and front top member  1219  together by inserting protrusion  1229  of front top member  1219  through aperture  1228  of front base member  1217 . Aperture  1248  is formed in front base member  1217  and accepts needle  1210 .  
         [0231]      FIG. 67  is a full isometric view of a needle protective apparatus  1222  of the present invention joined together by mating top  1216  and bottom  1215  members showing a partially deployed puncture site cover or bandage  1259  now fully released from liner  1234 . Liner  1236  and separate liner  1235  have released hold on bandage  1259  and are attached to said guard  1222  when mating top  1216  and bottom  1215  members are joined together. Hypodermic needle  1210  having a sharpened distal tip  1211  and enlargement  1203  to limiting axial movement of guard  1222  on said needle  1210 . Bandage  1259  having an absorbent member  1288  for covering a puncture site and adhesive film or coating  1258  for securing about a puncture site. As extended end  1221  of bandage  1259  is moved away from guard  1222 , releasable liner  1234  remains attached to said guard  1222 , exposing adhesive  1258  and absorbent member  1288 . Slot, void or aperture  1262  in top  1223  of needle guard  1222  is created by forming of movable needle trap  1241  hinged to rear member  1218 .  
         [0232]      FIG. 68  is another full side view of  FIG. 64  showing bandage  1259  releasable attached to top  1223  of movable needle guard  1222  with exposed, ready to use hypodermic needle  1210  having a change in profile or enlargement  1203  on the shaft proximal to the sharpened distal tip  1211  and, and a partial cutaway view of slidable needle guard  1222  having movable needle trap  1241  shown in a first operable position, said needle trap  1241  having a protrusion  1242  for retaining aperture  1232  of member or adhesive coated bandage  1259  in a first operative position, said bandage  1259  having an aperture  1232 , and absorbent member  1288 , extended tab  1221  for gripping, and an adhesive coating  1258 . A liner  1269 , separate from the above referenced liner  1234 ,  1235  and  1236 , is secured at  1250  to said guard  1222  between front base member  1217  and front top member  1219  and covers distal portion of bandage  1258  maintaining sterility until said bandage  1259  is deployed. Said liner  1269  may also be joined or folded onto guard  1222 . Needle guard  1222  formed having top  1223  with an axial slot  1262  formed by the manufacture of said needle guard  1241 , bottom  1255 , rear  1218  having aperture  1270  for accepting a hypodermic needle  1210  and hinge  1240  connecting movable needle trap  1241  to needle guard  1222 , and a front base side  1217 .  
         [0233]      FIG. 69  is a full side view the needle protective apparatus of  FIG. 68  showing bandage  1259  deployed over puncture site and released from lock of protrusion  1242  of movable needle guard  1222  with needle tip  1211  now contained within needle guard  1222  by movable needle guard  1241  having a distal barrier  1245  and side members  1249 . Said guard  1222  with movable needle trap  1241  shown in a second position covering needle tip  1211 . Bandage  1259  is further separated from liner  1269  secured to guard  1222 .  
         [0234]      FIG. 70  is a full side view and partial cutaway view of a the needle protective apparatus of the present invention showing slidable needle guard of  FIGS. 68 and 69  having bandage  1259  deployed over puncture site and said bandage  1259  fully separated from needle guard  1222  with needle tip  1211  now contained within needle guard  1222  by movable needle guard  1241  shown in a second locked position by engagement of protrusion  1233  of needle trap  1241  and protruding member  1230  of front base  1217  of needle guard  1222 , said guard  1241  having a distal barrier  1245  and side members  1249  creating a containment chamber. Bandage  1259  is completely separated from liner  1269  secured to guard  1222 . By combining bandage  1259  with releasable liner of  FIGS. 66 and 67  and releasable liner  1269 , the user simply deploys bandage  1259  over puncture site and withdraws needle  1210 , both needle and puncture site are covered automatically requiring no additional steps.  
         [0235]      FIG. 71  is a full top view of a sheet, flat or plate of material having a series of cut outs, stampings  1228 ,  1229 ,  1230 ,  1231 ,  1233 ,  1241 ,  1242 ,  1245 ,  1248 ,  1249 ,  1270  and foldable portions for bending and forming sheet into needle guard  1222  with at least one movable needle trap  1241  having an extended member  1233  for engaging protrusion  1230  of front member  1217  to lock needle trap  1241  into a second protective position containing contaminated needle tip  1211 . Said needle trap  1241  having a lock  1242  for securing a releasable member or bandage  1259  to said needle guard  1222 , and a means for joining portions  1217  and  1219  of said needle guard  1222  together by joining protrusion  1229  into aperture  1228 ..  
         [0236]      FIG. 72  is a full top view of the sheet, flat or plate of material of  FIG. 71  showing a partially formed movable needle guard  1241  having a plurality of members  1242  and  1245  forming a barrier, containment chamber and protrusions  1230 ,  1233 ,  1249  formed by folding and bending portions of said sheet or substrate.  
         [0237]      FIG. 73  is a full front view of the needle protective apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 66  without bandage  1259  showing hypodermic needle  1210  extending from needle guard  1222  having movable needle trap  1241  biased against needle  1210  with lock  1242  for securing releasable member or bandage  1259  through aperture  1247 , an extending member or protrusion for  1233  locking needle trap  1241  in a second position to contain needle tip  1211  within needle guard  1222 , and an aperture  1248  for a hypodermic needle  1210  and a means for joining portions of said sheet, flat or plate together by joining and bending protrusion  1229  through aperture  1228 .  
         [0238]      FIG. 74  is a full rear view of the needle guard of  FIG. 73  having aperture  1270  for a hypodermic needle  1210 , said aperture  1270  may also be a limiting means for limiting axial movement by engaging enlargement  1203  of needle  1210 .  
         [0239]      FIG. 75  is a full top view of the needle guard  1222  of  FIGS. 73 and 74  having a hinged movable needle trap  1241  with a traverse distal barrier  1245 , said trap needle  1241  having lock or protrusion  1242  for securing releasable member or bandage  1259  through aperture  1247 , a plurality of protrusions  1233  and  1230  for locking the needle trap in a second position to contain needle tip  1211  within needle guard  1222 , and a means for joining portions of said sheet, flat or plate together to create said needle guard when front base member  1217  is joined together with adjoining front top member  1219 .  
         [0240]      FIG. 76  is a full front view of the needle guard  1222  of  FIG. 73  showing distal barrier  1245  of movable needle trap  1241  closing aperture  1248  and locked in a second protective position covering needle tip  1211  now securely contained within said needle guard  1222 .  
         [0241]      FIG. 77  is a full and partial cutaway side view of needle guard  1222  of  FIG. 72  in the first phase of forming where movable needle trap  1241  is hingedly attached to body  1222 , said needle trap  1241  having side members  1249 , a bottom or lower member  1231  and creating a chamber, and an extending member  1233  for engaging lock or protrusion  1230  of face member  1217 . Movable needle trap  1241  is formed to move from an operative position to a protective position when used in combination with hypodermic needle  1210  and needle guard  1222  as described herein.  
         [0242]      FIG. 78  is a full side view of the needle guard of  FIG. 77  in a subsequent phase of forming having top  1223 , bottom  1225 , front  1217  and  1219  and rear  1218  members created by bending or folding portions of said sheet, flat or plate to create said needle guard  1222 .  
         [0243]      FIG. 79  is a full side view of the needle guard of  FIG. 77  and  78   77  in a subsequent phase of forming having a top  1223 , front  1217  and  1219 , rear  1218  and joinable members created by bending or folding portions of said sheet, flat or plate to create said needle guard  1222 .  
         [0244]      FIG. 80  is a full side view of the needle guard of  FIG. 77, 78  and  79  having a top  1223 , bottom  1225 , rear  1218  and front  1217  and  1219  created by and bending and joining portions of said sheet, flat or plate to create said needle guard  1222  that is ready to accept a hypodermic needle  1210  and releasable bandage  1259 .  
         [0245]     A number of embodiments have been disclosed herein as they relate to the puncture site indicator and needle protective device of the present invention. It is important to understand that many of the elements described herein may be interchangeable. It is also important to note that the invention can comprise a variety of embodiments, ranging from a single piece, injection molded part, where the components are manufactured unitarily, to a plurality of components, all which achieve the desired result of marking or covering the puncture site or safely capturing the sharpened needle tip.  
         [0246]     Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of parts and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.