What type of specimen is particularly tested with a KOH direct mount?

The KOH direct mount is particularly used for examining skin specimens because it helps in the identification of fungal elements. The procedure involves applying a few drops of potassium hydroxide (KOH) to a skin sample, which dissolves keratin and other cellular debris, making it easier to visualize fungi or fungal hyphae under a microscope.

This technique is specifically beneficial when diagnosing skin infections caused by fungi, such as dermatophyte infections, as KOH effectively clears the background, highlighting the fungal structures. While other specimens like blood, mucus, and urine can be analyzed for different pathogens, they are not typically associated with the KOH mount, which is most effective in revealing dermatophyte presence from skin samples.