Abstract: A needle blunting assembly for use with intravascular introducers, needles and other cannula which are insertable into the bodies such that they become contaminated with body fluids. The blunting apparatus comprises an elongate blunting member which is disposed within the bore of the needle or other tubular cannula, and is axially moveable from a "nonblunting" position wherein the blunt distal tip of the blunting member is positioned within the bore of the needle or cannula, and a "blunting" position wherein the blunt distal tip of the blunting member protrudes out of and beyond the distal tip of the needle or cannula.