fractional sterilization
Multi-cycle sterilization method using repeated heating and cooling periods separated by incubation.
Full Definition
Fractional sterilization, also known as tyndallization, is a sterilization method that employs multiple cycles of heating and cooling with incubation periods between cycles. This approach is designed to eliminate bacterial spores by allowing them to germinate during incubation periods, making them susceptible to subsequent heat treatment. The process typically involves three cycles of steam exposure at 100°C separated by 24-hour incubation periods at room temperature. While rarely used in modern healthcare due to the availability of more efficient methods, fractional sterilization may be employed for heat-sensitive materials that cannot tolerate higher temperatures required for standard steam sterilization.
Usage
Usage note: Note historical context; rarely used in modern surgical instrument reprocessing.
In Context
- "The laboratory employed fractional sterilization for heat-sensitive culture media that could not tolerate autoclave temperatures." — Laboratory procedure manual
- "Fractional sterilization requires three complete cycles with 24-hour intervals to ensure spore elimination." — Historical sterilization methods documentation