CBR Cord Blood Banking

OK, I wasn't going to do this, but am now seriously considering it. My OB recommends CBR for cord blood banking. Anyone else using them that has done their research and can share? If you are using Viacord or one of the others, why did you choose them? Just looking for any insignt/advice from those who have already looked into this and made their decisions.

Thank you!

Re: CBR Cord Blood Banking

I was seriously considering both CBR & Viacord for a while, but we went with Viacord in the end for 3 reasons:

1. They have done more transplants for the types of cancer that seem to run in our immediate families. Transplant History

2. CBR had some recalls on their bags late last year. I'm sure that everything is 100% fine now, but w/our family histories there is unfortunately a very real chance that we will need to do a transplant for a family member sometime in the future & I'm not willing to chance it since their recalls were less than a year ago.

3. Viacord has the only FDA-approved bags...which addresses my concerns about CBR & their bags... (info on their bags)

HTH

ETA links to the recall info:
October & November 2008 Recalls

February 2008 Recall

Message edited 8/14/2009 10:27:38 AM.

Re: CBR Cord Blood Banking

I am by no means an expert but based on the research I did yesterday.

"CBR is the only family bank to offer FDA cleared, seamless storage bags" They state the seamless bags are stronger then the seamed bags which are commonly used in the industry.

I am sure after their recall of the other bags they went with these.

Hope that helps a bit

Re: CBR Cord Blood Banking

I'm not sure if there is actually a difference (you'd have to check the FDA site), but the CBR bags are said to be "FDA cleared," while the Viacord bags are "FDA approved." "Cleared" to me sounds like they haven't received full approval yet, but I could be wrong...if you're concerned about the bags, it might be worth discussing the difference with a rep at CBR to find out what exactly "cleared" means

Message edited 8/14/2009 10:34:19 AM.

Re: CBR Cord Blood Banking

Thank you so much for the info, ladies. Is there anyone out there that decided to go with CBR? If so, would you mind sharing what you paid? I have a $200 off coupon, plus they say they will take any competitor coupons as well....