Is it possible for an IV needle to get left in an arm?

The actual needle is taken out when the IV is started. The plastic part that starys in your vein and is hooked up to the tubing is called the catheter. I guess technically it could be left in, but you would see it because the hub would be sticking out. So if you are asking can it be left in your arm and not be present then the answer is no.

The needle part of the IV never actually stays in your arm. There is a plastic sheath surrounding the needle that stays in (the needle is used only to pierce the skin, then removed.) The person removing the IV would have noticed if the sheath was missing and would have acted on it if this was th case (they would have had to go in after it...)

if it's you or a friend doing the sticking, if not, you have a great ,big law suit. i know of a person who shoots up and lost a needle in her arm. the doctors can't take it out, she's still alive, but what a way to go!!!

there is no possible way it can be "left" in if the IV was administered by a professional. sometimes the IV leaves a bad reaction at the site, or damages the vein a little when it's in there, and it can seem like the needle has been left.

someone up there was right- they pull the real needle out and leave a plastic shaft that is attatched to that blue thing they tape down, and it is all molded as one piece to be screwed into another to be screwed into another.

theoretically, if you snuck out and had to remove it yourself, no part of it could remain.

Sure. If the medical professional forgets to take it out it will certainly remain there. If this happens to you, be sure to ask the person to take it out.

By the way, most often the IV "needle" in the arm will not be a needle at all but rather a thin plastic piece called a "catheter" or "angiocath". This piece covers a needle when the initial prick is made and then is left in place while the metal piece inside is removed.

no because the needle is only used to insert the plastic catheter and once it is already properly positioned, the needle is then taken out and only the plastic catheter (butterfly) is left.