Reply to Flanagan "The Code of Ethics of the International Society of Blood Transfusion" [Blood Transfus 2015; 13: 537-8]: Let us use all the good olive wood

Dear Sir, We appreciate the importance given to our recent paper "Some reflections on the Code of Ethics of the International Society of Blood Transfusion"1 (ISBT) as reflected in the commissioning of Flanagan's editorial2. However, Flanagan asserts that our position, which has been carefully put together from our different backgrounds in transfusion (AF) and philosophy (CDB), arises from "Farrugia's close association with the commercial plasma industry"2. Flanagan's assertion may appear logical but is in fact, incorrect. It seems to be rather a case of making an observation on the basis of information that, since the Authors' profiles are clearly stated in the "Conflict of Interests" declaration, is irrelevant to the argument put forward. Other works by Farrugia are referred to in reference3 (see references 13, 21, 48 within), which we are unable to cite in their entirety due to the space restrictions here. [...]