Sandra Ramirez-Arcos

Dr. Ramirez-Arcos completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Microbiology in Colombia, and then conducted PhD studies in Biological Sciences in Spain. From 1998 to 2002, she worked as a post-doctoral fellow and Research Associate at the University of Ottawa. In 2003, Dr. Ramirez-Arcos joined Canadian Blood Services where she currently holds a senior scientist position. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa and a co-chair of the ISBT Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases Working Party – Bacteria Subgroup.   

Studies conducted under the supervision of Dr. Ramirez-Arcos have advanced knowledge and provided evidence-based data to improve processes and products at Canadian Blood Services, enhancing transfusion patient safety. Her work has generated over 115 peer-reviewed publications, with some being highlighted in the Washington Post, journal editorials, AABB SmartBrief News, and ABC Newsletters.  

Research areas

• microbiology
• blood product and bacterial contamination
• bacterial biofilm formation​
• bloodborne bacteria
• tickborne bacteria
• emerging/re-emerging pathogens

Other appointments

• Member, editorial board of the peer-reviewed journal, Vox Sanguinis, since January 2022
• Member, editorial board of the peer-reviewed journal, ISBT Science Series, January 2019–June 2021 

Awards

• Best paper prize for best original article published in Vox Sanguinis in 2013, the International Society of Blood Transfusion, 2014 

Research interests

Dr. Sandra Ramirez-Arcos and her team focus on bacterial contamination of blood components including platelet concentrates, red blood cell concentrates, and plasma. In particular, bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates poses a significant post-transfusion infectious risk. Donated platelets are susceptible to bacterial proliferation, due to their storage conditions in a nutrient-rich environment at ambient temperatures. 

The predominant bacteria present in platelet concentrates are commensal inhabitants of the human skin and are likely introduced at the time of blood collection. In 2007, Dr. Ramirez-Arcos’ group was the first to report that skin flora bacteria form surface-attached communities of matrix-embedded cells, known as biofilms, during storage of platelet concentrates with potential clinical implications for transfusion patients. Recent studies have focused on the molecular modulation that bacteria undergo when growing in platelet concentrates. 

Dr. Ramirez-Arcos' lab has also led several activities supporting changes at Canadian Blood Services, which include providing evidence to change blood donor skin disinfection protocols and implement processes such as platelet screening for bacterial contamination. Her group has also provided evidence-based data to extend the 30-min rule for red blood cell concentrates and plasma to a 60-min rule. This change has efficiently improved blood product utilization in Canada. 

Current studies in the Ramirez’ lab are focused on investigating the microbiological and molecular mechanisms potentially involved in bacterial resistance to pathogen inactivation treatment of platelet concentrates. Her lab is also leading the development of assays to detect tickborne bacteria in donated blood and investigating survival of the bacterium that causes syphilis during blood component storage.