Catheter apparatus (10) comprising: a catheter (12)； a catheter hub (14) having a distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal section is joined to the catheter and the proximal section defines a chamber (24)； a needle (16) extending through the catheter hub and the catheter and defining an axial direction, wherein the needle has opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end forming a needle tip (18)； a needle hub (20) attached to the proximal end of the needle； and a needle guard (26) slidably arranged on the needle, wherein the needle guard is retained in the chamber of the catheter hub when the needle extends through the catheter hub and the catheter, and wherein the needle guard is removable from the catheter hub once the needle tip is received in the needle guard upon withdrawal of the needle from the catheter.
