Abstract: A needle guide assembly and an automated method of operating a needle guide assembly are provided. The assembly includes a needle guide body and a controller communicatively coupled to the needle guide body. The needle guide body includes at least two separable portions. The needle guide body is operable by the controller to actuate between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the at least two portions combine to define a channel therethrough for receiving a needle. In the open configuration, the at least two portions separate to release the received needle from the channel.