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 .