A vascular access system for preventing needle sticks includes a needle, a tipshield, and a housing. The needle may be a hypodermic needle or other conventionalneedle having a needle shaft terminating at a needle tip. The tip shield providesan enclosure defining a chamber. The enclosure includes a closed distal end anda proximal end that slidably engages the needle shaft. The enclosure furtherincludes at least one side wall configured to slidably engage the needle shaft.The housing defines a passageway with respective proximal and distal openingsthrough which the needle extends. The tip shield is also disposed in the passagewayand is releasably retained therein. The needle and/or the tip shield is adaptedto prevent the needle shaft from being completely withdrawn from the tip shield.The tip shield further secures the needle tip in the chamber upon withdrawal ofthe needle tip into the chamber.
