The invention relates to a needle tip guard for a safety IV catheter assembly comprising a catheter tube having a distal end and a proximal end a catheter hub having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end is joined to the said catheter tube and the proximal end defines a chamber a needle extending through the catheter hub and the catheter tube having opposite proximal and distal ends defining an axial direction A, wherein the proximal end is joined to the needle hub and the distal end forms a sharp tip and a change in profile is provided between the proximal and distal ends of the needle and a tip protector assembly movably arranged in between the catheter hub and needle hub on the needle such that the tip protector assembly is retained partially and/or completely in the chamber of the catheter hub and wherein the tip protector assembly is configured to entrap the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle from the catheter hub.
