Abstract: An apparatus for removing and disposing of a needle assembly used for blood sampling with a minimum of manipulation and without contact with a contaminated part. The needle assembly includes a needle portion and a hub, the hub is adapted for cooperative engagement with the medical device such that the assembly is attached for use in drawing blood samples. The apparatus for removal and disposing of used needles assemblies includes a hub rotating mechanism for coupling with and rotating the hub about its longitudinal axis to cause the needle assembly to become detached from the medical device. Furthermore, the apparatus has a hub locator for maintaining the hub of the needle assembly in a fixed location and orientation so the hub is coupled with the hub rotating mechanism to cause the needle assembly to rotate and become detached from the medical device. The needle assembly is stored in an enclosure operative to receive and protectively enclose the needle assembly after it is detached from the medical device.