Needle capture mechanisms and arrangements are provided. One such arrangement includes a needle defining a longitudinal needle axis having a sharp distal tip, a shank portion, and a needle feature defining at least one localized area along the shank of increased outer diameter; a needle shield; and a biasing member adapted to exert a generally downward biasing force upon the needle. Another such arrangement includes a needle defining a longitudinal needle axis having a sharp distal tip, a shank portion, and a needle feature defining at least one localized area along the shank of increased outer diameter; a needle shield, the needle shield comprising a pocket formed therein having an inclined surface; a split collet disposed within the pocket, the split collet having a variable inner bore; and a biasing element disposed within the pocket for biasing the split collet toward the inclined surface of the pocket.