MTF is easy to implement and can be performed
by a technician with basic microbiological training,
but the method can become very tedious and laborintensive
since many dilutions have to be processed
for each water sample. However, it is also relatively
inexpensive, as it requires unsophisticated laboratory
equipment. Nevertheless, this method is extremely
time-consuming, requiring 48 h for presumptive
results, and necessitates a subculture stage for confirmation
which could take up to a further 48 h.