While Turnbull Blue Stain is a powerful tool, it has some limitations:
Specificity: The stain specifically reacts with ferrous iron (Fe2+) and not ferric iron (Fe3+), which might require complementary staining techniques for comprehensive analysis. Quantification: The stain provides qualitative data and visual localization of iron but does not offer quantitative measurement of iron levels. Sample Preparation: Proper fixation and handling of samples are crucial, as improper preparation can lead to false-negative or false-positive results.
