Used Needle Container: FSA Eligibility

The sole purpose of the container must be for used needles.

What is a used needle container?

A used needle container, also commonly referred to as a sharps container, is a special container approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that is designed to safely hold, transport and dispose of needles and other non-sterile sharp implements after they have been used. Because of the risk of injury and infection from coming into contact with these sharps, these containers are available for both at-home and portable use.

While non FDA-approved sharps containers are available for purchase, it's vital that consumer-directed account holders purchase needle containers that adhere to the FDA's strict guidelines regarding these devices. First, they should be constructed of heavy-duty plastic, contain a puncture-resistant lid to avoid sharps piercing the user when closing the box, leak-resistant and properly marked to ensure that anyone who handles the container will know that it contains hazardous material.

Second, the sole purpose of the container must be for used needles. If the container is used for other things, then there is a great risk of injury or contamination. The container must also only be for used needles in order to be considered eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account.

A used needle container is a commonly needed household item for individuals that must make regular use of hypodermic needles for medically necessary administration of medicines and drugs. A common example is an individual with diabetes that must administer insulin. Insulin dosing requires hypodermic needles, which must be discarded after every use for the purposes of health and hygiene. Hypodermic needles can only be safely discarded in a used needle container or sharps container, and must be disposed of in this manner by law.