Need Blood Urgently? What to Do, Step by Step

1. Get the exact requirement from the doctor

Ask the doctor or nurse for the blood requisition and note down:

• The patient's blood group (for example B+).
• The component needed: whole blood, PRBC (packed red cells), platelets (RDP or SDP) or plasma (FFP).
• The number of units, and by when they are needed.
• The hospital and blood bank name and area.

Having these details ready makes everything after this much faster.

2. Ask the hospital blood bank first

Most hospitals have their own blood bank or a tie-up with one. They may already have the units in stock, or they may give them to you if family or friends donate replacement units of any group in return.

3. Check stock at nearby blood banks

The government's e-RaktKosh portal shows blood stock at registered blood banks by state and district. Call the blood bank before going, as stock changes quickly.

4. Find voluntary donors

Send us a free blood request. We immediately alert registered voluntary donors of the matching blood group near the hospital on WhatsApp, and a donor who accepts contacts the attendant directly. You will also get a tracking link to follow the request.

You can also message us on WhatsApp +91 94820 23949 in English or any Indian language, including a voice note or a photo of the requisition slip.

5. For platelets (SDP), plan a little ahead

• The donor usually needs to be of the patient's exact blood group.
• The donor must not have taken aspirin or similar painkillers in the last 3 days.
• The donation takes about 1 to 2 hours at the blood bank, after a quick check of the donor's platelet count.

6. Rare blood groups

For Rh negative groups (O−, A−, B−, AB−) and especially the Bombay blood group, start looking as early as possible and tell everyone the exact group. See our blood group compatibility chart to know which groups can be given.

What never to do

• Never pay anyone for blood or for a donor. Buying or selling blood is illegal in India.
• Never use blood that has not been tested and cross-matched by a licensed blood bank.
• Be careful with social media forwards that ask for money or OTPs.

Frequently asked questions

How can I get blood urgently in India?

Get the exact requirement from the doctor, ask the hospital blood bank first, check stock at nearby blood banks on e-RaktKosh, and send a free request to voluntary donor networks such as ours so matching donors near the hospital are alerted.

Is it legal to pay a donor for blood?

No. Buying or selling blood is illegal in India. Blood donation must be voluntary. Hospitals and blood banks may charge only their standard processing fees.

What is SDP and why is a donor needed?

SDP (single donor platelets) is collected from one donor using an apheresis machine. It usually needs a donor of the patient's exact blood group who comes to the blood bank, and the process takes about 1 to 2 hours.

This page is general information for India, for families arranging blood. It is not medical advice: the doctor at the blood bank always makes the final decision.

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