A: Most intravenous catheters (IVs) do not have needles left in them. The needle is inside the catheter for insertion only, and is removed before the IV is hooked up to any fluids. When your IV is removed, you will see a small, plastic straw-like tube that is very flexible. These short IVs are referred to as peripheral catheters.

There is one type of IV that has a metal needle that is not removable after insertion, and this is called a butterfly catheter. This catheter has two "wings" that will be taped to your skin to secure them. These IVs are usually used for the administration of subcutaneous medications and drawing blood.

There are also some IVs that have wings but have the metal needle removed after insertion. If you're unsure as to what kind of IV you have, ask the nurse who inserted it.