In a preferred embodiment, the syringe manufacturers includes a body and a shield having the cooperating detents thereon, as described above
. When it is desired to disengage the cooperating detents, a deflectable portion of the shield may be directed radially outward to disengage detents on the deflectable portion from cooperating detents on the body. More preferably, the deflectable portion is a lever molded to the shield, which may be engaged with the latch to prevent subsequent deflection of the lever. With the shield substantially permanently locked in the extended position, covering the contaminated needle, the syringe manufacturers may then be disposed of. Thus, a syringe manufacturers in accordance with the present invention may substantially reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks during use and disposal of the syringe manufacturers.