If you or someone you care about needs blood, RedLife can help connect you to potential donors and safe blood banks. Knowing how to create a clear, responsible request makes the process faster and safer.

Step 1: Confirm the medical need

Before posting a request:

·       Speak to the treating doctor or hospital.

·       Ask what is required:

o   Blood group and Rh (e.g., B+ red cells, O−, AB plasma).

o   Approximate number of units.

o   Urgency (emergency now vs. within 24–48 hours).

o   Whether any special requirements exist (rare antibodies, CMV‑negative, etc.).

Do not rely only on hearsay or old reports; use current medical advice.

Step 2: Create a request in the app

In the “Request Blood” or similar section:

·       Select the patient’s blood group.

·       Choose the city and preferred hospital/blood bank where donation and transfusion will occur.

·       Indicate urgency (emergency, within 24 hours, planned date).

·       Optionally add:

o   Patient’s age and gender (if relevant).

o   Reason (e.g., surgery, accident, thalassemia, cancer) – but keep details brief and respect privacy.

Avoid sharing:

·       Full patient name plus national ID or highly sensitive details in public text.

·       Personal phone numbers in public fields if the app provides secure messaging.

Step 3: Coordinate with the hospital/blood bank

Before donors arrive:

·       Inform the blood bank that you are using RedLife to find donors.

·       Confirm:

o   Donation timings.

o   Any specific instructions for donors (fasting not required, bring CNIC, etc.).

o   Whether donors should mention a specific patient name or code.

Add this practical information into your request so that donors know where and how to help.

Step 4: Monitor and update your request

As donors respond:

·       Use in‑app messaging to coordinate.

·       Once enough confirmed donors have given blood or the need is met, close or update the request.

·       Inform donors if the situation changes (e.g., surgery postponed, patient moved).

Closing fulfilled requests:

·       Prevents unnecessary calls to donors.

·       Avoids wastage and confusion at blood banks.

·       Maintains trust in the system.