Autotransfusers and Red Blood Cell Genotyping (CPB 0639, reviewed 2026-09-09)
Summary
Aetna considers autotransfusion and cell saver devices medically necessary for emergency or intra-operative autotransfusion, hemodilution or cell washing autotransfusion, and post-operative autotransfusion (usually done within 2 hours with a chest tube collection device) after heart surgery and traumatic hemithorax. Aetna considers these devices experimental, investigational, or unproven for all other indications, and not medically necessary for procedures expected to require less than 2 units of blood. Red cell genotyping is medically necessary for sickle cell disease, thalassemia, hemoglobinopathies, recurring transfusions, post-transfusion hemolysis with no detectable antibodies, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, multiple transfusions, positive direct antiglobulin test, certain pregnancies, hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, and conflicting serological antibody results, while hypoxic red blood cells are considered experimental, investigational, or unproven for improving energy metabolism and post-transfusion recoveries.
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