Despite its widespread utility, IHC faces several challenges: - Non-specific Binding: Can lead to background staining, necessitating stringent blocking and washing steps. - Antigen Masking: Fixation can mask antigen sites, requiring effective retrieval techniques. - Antibody Specificity: The reliability of results depends on the specificity and affinity of the antibodies used. - Standardization: Variability in protocols and reagents can lead to inconsistent results, making standardization critical.