A needle tip spring protector for a needle (14) having a proximal end, a distal end (20), and a shaft (22) extending therebetween. The needle tip spring protector includes a spring (16) that circumferentially surrounds a portion of the needle shaft (22) and is restrained in a state wherein its inner diameter (30) is large enough to allow the shaft (22) to move freely within the spring (16). When the needle (14) is moved to a position in which its distal end (20) is at least partly within the spring (16), at least one of the ends of the spring (16) releases from restraint such that the spring (16) automatically returns to a state in which its inner diameter (30) is sized so as to grippingly engage the shaft (22) of the needle (14). Thus, after activation, the spring (16) securely surrounds the distal end (20) of the needle (14) to protect healthcare workers and others from accidental contact with the needles distal end (20). When used in conjunction with a catheter assembly (100), the needle tip spring protector may passively release from the catheter hub (1 14) after the spring (16) is automatically activated.
