Detection of amplified products in nucleic acid assays following nuclease treatment

The present invention provides a method for detecting nucleic acid amplification product of a target-dependent nucleic acid amplification process involving one or more probes or primers, comprising the steps of: a) treating said product with a nuclease reagent whereby said product is substantially hydrolysed into its mononucleotide components; b) detecting said mononucleotide components. The amplification product is suitably selected for by use of a nuclease reagent that is specific for polyribonucleotide when said product is a polyribonucleotide, and is specific for polydeoxyribonucleotide when said product is a polydeoxyribonucleotide. Alternatively, the detection step may be specific for the mononucleotide components from the product by being selective between ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides.