Which method is NOT commonly associated with blending in pharmacy compounding?

The method of fermentation is typically not associated with blending in pharmacy compounding. In compounding, blending refers to the process of uniformly mixing various solid or liquid ingredients to create a homogenous mixture. Trituration, spatulation, and tumbling are all methods that facilitate this blending process.

Trituration involves grinding and mixing solid materials, often using a mortar and pestle, which helps to achieve a fine and uniform powder. Spatulation refers to mixing powders on a slab using a spatula, allowing for workable quantities of material to blend effectively. Tumbling involves placing ingredients within a container and rotating it to mix the components thoroughly.

Fermentation, on the other hand, is a biochemical process where microorganisms are used to convert sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol. This is not relevant to the context of blending in pharmacy, as it focuses more on biological reactions than on the mechanical mixing of ingredients for pharmaceutical preparations. Therefore, fermentation distinctly stands apart from the blending techniques employed in pharmacy compounding.