Phlebotomy needle destruction

An apparatus for processing a phlebotomy needle, the phlebotomy needle comprising:

• a double-ended needle having a first end terminating in a first tip, and a second end terminating in a second tip;
• and
• a hub affixed to the needle at a location between the first tip and the second tip, the apparatus comprising:
• a clamping electrode for contacting and clamping one end of the needle between the hub and the tip;
• a tip electrode for contacting the needle at its tip;
• means for applying a voltage between the clamping electrode and the tip electrode, such that an electric current passes through the end of the needle between the clamping electrode and the tip electrode, which current results, in use. in resistive/Ohmic heating, which heats and softens or melts the tip of the needle;
• and
• means for applying an axial force to the tip electrode towards the hub and substantially parallel to an axis of the needle so as to compress and blunt the tip of the needle;
• the apparatus being characterised by:
• means for selectively orienting the needle in a first and a second position;
• the first position being a position in which the clamping electrode clamps the first end of the needle between the hub and the first tip and in which the tip electrode contacts the first tip;
• and
• the second position being a position in which the clamping electrode clamps the second end of the needle between the hub and the second tip and in which the tip electrode contacts the second tip.