One embodiment is directed to a pre-filled safety syringe system, comprising a syringe body; a plunger tip positioned within the syringe body; a needle assembly removably coupleable to the distal end of the syringe body such that a medicinal fluid may be transferred through a retractable needle coupled to a needle housing comprising the needle assembly upon insertion of the plunger tip relative to the syringe body; and a plunger control assembly coupled to the plunger tip and configured to facilitate manual insertion of the plunger tip relative to the syringe body; wherein upon insertion and release of the plunger tip, a retraction load coupled between the syringe body and the plunger tip causes the plunger tip to be proximally withdrawn, pulling the retractable needle proximally relative to the needle housing to a safe locked and retracted state.