Has anyone considered Cord blood banking with places other than CBR and viacord?

I am researching this, and there are other places out there - they are accredited by the American Association of blood banks, and are half the price of Viacord and CBR.
I feel like Vicaord and CBR are two companies that advertise the most, which probably drives up their costs, and makes you think they are the best.
But if these other places have the same accreditation, then what is the difference?

As we have seen in these economic times, ANY company can go out of business, no matter how established they are or how long they have been around. I know that would be part of the argument for Viacord if I called them. I also know my dr. would tell me to use viacord, but I really think he is receiving some kind of kickbacks for them.

I am also torn on whether I should privately bank or donate the blood? Doing my research, I found the hospital I am delivering at does donations...

I really have to get this done, but I am so confused. Can anyone offer advice?

Re: Has anyone considered Cord blood banking with places other than CBR and viacord?

No advice, but I totally agree...so what if they are a small company....wht would happen anyway to the cord blood of the company did go out of business? That is an intersting question to ask.

Re: Has anyone considered Cord blood banking with places other than CBR and viacord?

I have...I went with cryo-cell. They gave me a discount and I couldn't refuse.

They have also been wonderful and very helpful with the million questions I asked.

I really wanted to save my babies cord blood but didn't want to spend $2000.

Re: Has anyone considered Cord blood banking with places other than CBR and viacord?

right now i am looking at cryo-cell
2 of my friends have used it

Re: Has anyone considered Cord blood banking with places other than CBR and viacord?

what my OB told us about the companies is that you should use one of the 'big 3' (her quote).

She said because they are 'larger' companies and if they DO go out of business, they would likely handle the 'transition' better...meaning they would be more 'professional' at keeping the blood frozen during transfer, etc...

we are completely torn on what to do at this point...

Re: Has anyone considered Cord blood banking with places other than CBR and viacord?

i actually asked CBR this question...what would happen if...
and the answer i got was that if for some reason your sample is ruined, because of a natural disaster, or the company screws up or whatever, that they give you 50k...not that this replaces anything no matter how much money, but at least they gave me an answer..

i went with CBR but maybe because i felt alil rushed and i didnt research the other companies too well...my dr said theyve been around for years and are very reputable