Transplant surgeons have established a definite correlation in both cadaver and living-related kidney transplantation between pretransplant transfusions of blood into the recipient and the success of graft retention.

These pretransplant transfusions are covered under Medicare without a specific limitation on the number of transfusions, subject to the normal Medicare blood deductible provisions. Where blood is given directly to the transplant patient; e.g., in the case of donor specific transfusions, the blood is considered replaced for purposes of the blood deductible provisions.