HotSHOT alkaline lysis reagent recipe

Base: 1 L · pH ≈ 12 (do not adjust) · Updated 2026-10-01

The first reagent of the HotSHOT method, which yields genotyping-PCR DNA in about 30 min by heating tissue in alkali: 25 mM NaOH, 0.2 mM EDTA.

🧮 Volume calculator
ComponentAmount Final concentration (1X)
10 M NaOH250 µL25 mM
0.5 M EDTA (pH 8.0)40 µL0.2 mM
Water (distilled)to final volume

Steps

  1. Mix NaOH and EDTA in water (store at room temperature).
  2. Add 75 µL to a 1–2 mm tissue piece and heat at 95 °C for 30 min.
  3. Cool, add an equal volume (75 µL) of neutralisation reagent, and use 1–2 µL of supernatant per PCR.

FAQ

Is the DNA yield enough?

It is lower and less pure than purified DNA, but plenty for short genotyping amplicons (<1 kb).

This is a widely used standard composition. Amounts depend on the hydrate form and purity of your reagents — check the formula weight (FW) on the bottle and follow your institution's safety rules and the manufacturers' instructions.