Sandra Ramirez-Arcos

Dr. Sandra Ramirez-Arcos is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine. She also serves as a Senior Scientist at Canadian Blood Services, where she focuses on improving transfusion safety through microbiological research.

• MSc, Universidad de los Andes, Colombia (1994)
• PhD, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain (1997)

Her research centers on bacterial contamination of blood products, particularly platelet concentrates, examining:

• Biofilm formation dynamics by skin commensals
• Molecular adaptation of pathogens during storage
• Revised donor skin disinfection protocols
• Pathogen inactivation technologies
• Storage temperature optimization
• Tickborne pathogen screening methods

Recent publications reveal her team's discovery of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation in platelet concentrates, molecular-level bacterial adaptations during storage, and the migration of emergent pathogens due to climate change. Her work has led to international protocol changes including the 60-minute storage rule for blood components.

Scientific recognition includes the ISBT Best Paper Prize in 2013. Current initiatives focus on Anaplasma phagocytophilum research and emerging pathogen screening methods.