| Multiple Tube Fermentation Method | Membrane Filter Method |
| Slower: requires 48 hours for a positive or presumptive positive | More rapid: quantitative results in about 18 hours |
| More labour intensive | Less labour intensive |
| Requires more culture medium | Requires less culture medium |
| Requires more glassware | Requires less glassware |
| More sensitive | Less sensitive |
| Low precision | High precision |
| Difficult to use in the field | Can be adapted for field use |
| Applicable to all types of water | Not applicable to turbid waters |
| Consumables readily available in most Countries | Cost of consumables is high in many Countries |
| May give better recovery of stressed or damaged organisms |
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