Frequently Asked Questions

RedUnity.org is a free platform launched in 2021 that connects blood donors with people in need of blood transfusions. We eliminate barriers to blood donation by making the process simple, accessible, and completely free for both donors and recipients.

Most people can donate blood if they:

• Are between 18-65 years old (age limits may vary slightly by location)
• Weigh at least 50 kg (110 lbs)
• Are in good general health
• Have not donated blood in the last 56 days (for whole blood donation)
• Meet specific hemoglobin level requirements

Some medical conditions and medications may temporarily or permanently prevent someone from donating. Our team will guide you through the eligibility criteria during registration.

The frequency of blood donation depends on the type of donation:

• Whole blood: Every 56 days (approximately every 2 months)
• Platelets: Every 7 days, up to 24 times per year
• Plasma: Every 28 days
• Double red cells: Every 112 days

Our system will track your donations and notify you when you're eligible to donate again.

Requesting blood through RedUnity.org is simple:

1. Create an account on our platform
2. Fill out the blood request form with details about the patient
3. Specify the blood type needed, quantity, and urgency
4. Provide information about the hospital or location where blood is needed
5. Submit the request

Once submitted, our system will match your request with available donors in your area. You'll receive notifications about potential donors who can help.

No, RedUnity.org is completely free for both donors and recipients. We believe that access to blood should never be limited by financial barriers. Our platform is supported by donations, grants, and volunteer efforts to maintain this free service.

To ensure a successful donation:

• Get a good night's sleep before donation
• Eat a healthy meal rich in iron 2-3 hours before donating
• Drink plenty of fluids (water or juice) before and after donation
• Avoid fatty foods before donation as they can affect blood tests
• Bring a valid ID with you
• Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow

In emergency situations, RedUnity.org prioritizes your request and immediately notifies all compatible donors in your area. Response time varies based on location and availability, but in urban areas, we often can connect you with a donor within 1-2 hours.

For critical emergencies, we recommend also contacting local hospitals and blood banks directly while our system searches for donors.

Safety is our top priority. We implement several measures:

• All donors undergo basic health screening before registration
• We verify donor identities and contact information
• Our platform facilitates connections but actual blood donations occur at licensed medical facilities
• We provide guidelines for safe donation and reception processes
• All blood is tested by medical professionals following standard protocols

While we facilitate connections, the actual blood transfusion must be handled by medical professionals following all safety protocols.