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 . 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 . 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 . fig1 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 . fig2 is a full side view of the prior art injection method and apparatus of fig1 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 . fig3 is a full side view of the prior art injection method and apparatus of fig1 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 . fig4 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 . 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 . 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 . fig5 is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of fig4 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 . fig6 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 . fig7 is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of fig6 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 . fig8 is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of fig6 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 . fig9 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 . fig1 is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of fig9 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 . fig1 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 . fig1 is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of fig1 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 . fig1 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 . fig1 is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of fig1 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 . fig1 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 . fig1 is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of fig1 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 . fig1 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 . fig1 is a full side view of the injection method and apparatus of fig1 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 . fig1 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 . fig2 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 axis of needle 10 during procedures where the entire length of needle 10 is not inserted into tissue . fig2 is a cross sectional side view of the removable puncture site indicator of fig2 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 . fig2 . is a full front view of the removable puncture site indicator of fig2 and 21 along axis 22 — 22 comprising a slidable puncture site indicator 129 having an aperture 47 with a needle 10 therethrough . fig2 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 . fig2 a cut away side view of slidable puncture site indicator of fig2 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 . fig2 is a full front view of the puncture site indicator of fig2 in axis 25 — 25 comprising a needle 10 through aperture 247 of slidable puncture site indicator 229 being releasably attached to slidable member 222 . fig2 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 . fig2 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 . fig2 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 . fig2 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 . fig3 is a full side view of the one - piece needle housing of fig2 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 . fig3 is a cut away front view of the housing of fig2 and 30 along axis 31 — 31 comprising a member 22 , an aperture 447 and an inner chamber or cavity 431 . fig3 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 . fig3 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 . fig3 is a cross - sectional side view of fig3 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 . fig3 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 . fig3 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 . fig3 is a cross - sectional side view of the needle of fig3 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 . fig3 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 . fig3 is a full side view of the inferior prior art fluid collection method and apparatus of fig3 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 . fig4 is a full side view of the interior prior art fluid collection method and apparatus of fig3 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 . fig4 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 . 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 . fig4 is a full side view of the fluid collection method and apparatus of fig4 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 . fig4 is a full side view of the fluid collection method and apparatus of fig4 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 . fig4 is a full side view of the fluid collection method and apparatus of fig4 – 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 . fig4 is a full top view of the blood or fluid collection method and apparatus of fig4 – 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 . fig4 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 . fig4 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 . fig4 is a full frontal view of a prior art winged infusion or “ butterfly ” needle apparatus shown in fig4 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 . fig4 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 . fig5 is a full top view of a winged infusion or “ butterfly ” needle apparatus of fig4 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 . fig5 is a full top view of a winged infusion or “ butterfly ” needle apparatus of fig4 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 . fig5 is a full top view of a winged infusion or “ butterfly ” needle apparatus of fig4 – 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 . fig5 is a full frontal view of the passive winged infusion or “ butterfly ” needle apparatus of fig4 – 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 . fig5 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 . fig5 is a full frontal view of the passive winged infusion or “ butterfly ” needle apparatus of fig5 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 . fig5 is a full top view of a winged infusion or “ butterfly ” needle apparatus of fig5 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 . fig5 is a full top view of a winged infusion or “ butterfly ” needle apparatus of fig5 – 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 . fig5 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 . fig5 is a full top view of a winged infusion or “ butterfly ” needle apparatus of fig5 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 . fig6 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 . fig6 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 . fig6 is a cross sectional side view of the hypodermic needle of fig6 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 . 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 . 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 .
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 .