Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and of mutations is of importance in the field of genetics, biomedical research and in vitro diagnosis. We report here a genotyping procedure that can be virtually applied to any locus within a genome: it uses alpha-phosphorothioate deoxynucleotides in a primer-extension step followed by an ExoIII treatment. Non-extended primers are hydrolyzed whereas extended primers resist this treatment, indicating which nucleotide has been incorporated, i.e. the genotype of the locus. A 3-bp deletion in the CFTR gene (F508del, the most prevalent mutation involved in cystic fibrosis) was used as a model, in a single-tube procedure for each nucleotide to be tested. Human genomic DNA samples were correctly genotyped in less than 3h by a solid-phase PCR followed by primer extension, ExoIII treatment and an ELISA-like detection method. The same principle (primer extension with alpha-phosphorothioate deoxynucleotide, ExoIII treatment) should also be combined with other detection systems such as gel or capillary electrophoresis, mass spectrometry or DNA chips.