The present invention is a needle holder assembly for using during a blood collection procedure and more particularly to a blood collection tube holder (40) with means (100) for easily engaging and disengaging a blood collection needle from the holder and for not prematurely disengaging a blood collection needle. The needle holder includes an engaging trigger (300) to engage the holder with a needle and a disengaging trigger (400) to disengage the holder with a needle and a preventative needle release indicator (542) that prevents premature movement of the disengaging trigger (400) and disengagement of the needle from the holder. <IMAGE>