A rapid and efficient method to remove labelled molecular probes from nucleic acids immobilized on solid supports.

A rapid and efficient method is described for the removal of radio-active molecular probes from nucleic acids immobilized on nylon membranes. This method involves boiling in distilled water in a microwave oven. This procedure can be completed within ten minutes, does not require the use of any buffers or reagents, and produces results comparable with conventional buffer-wash procedures recommended by the suppliers of the transfer membranes.