Abstract: The invention provides an modified method for the separation of nucleic acids from cells, comprising: generating an aqueous solution containing the nucleic acid by lysing the cells with a lysis solution including SDS and salt; and separating the nucleic acids of interest from other cellular components. The improvement includes adding a non-ionic detergent in the lysis solution such that SDS is not precipitated and no heating of the solution is required prior to cellular lysis. The preferred non-ionic detergents are the polysorbate family of compound, including TWEEN® 20. Also disclosed are composition and kit for performing the modified method.