Abstract: A holder (20) for blood sample tubes (500), includes a body (20) having a first end (24) and a longitudinal axis (27). Body (22) has a plurality of cavities (28) which are oriented substantially parallel to longitudinal axis (27), each cavity (28) is sized to closely accept one blood sample tube (500). Body (22) is shaped and dimensioned for grasping by a human hand (502). Body (22) has a guard (30) at first end (24) to protect the using medical technician from needle sticks. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of cavities (28) includes at least one outer cavity (28) which defines an elongated open slit (32) in body (22), so that when a blood sample tube (500) is inserted into outer cavity (28), blood sample tube (500) protrudes slightly outside body (22).