Prehybridization solutions in SSPE are used to block nonspecific binding sites on membranes or microarrays prior to hybridization. This helps reduce background noise and improves the specificity of nucleic acid hybridization. By incubating the membrane with the prehybridization solution, potential binding sites for probes—other than the target sequences—are occupied, often using denatured carrier DNA, proteins like BSA, or detergents. This step ensures that the probe binds only to its complementary sequence, enhancing signal clarity and assay accuracy in techniques such as Southern blotting, Northern blotting, and in situ hybridization. The SSPE buffer component maintains appropriate ionic strength and pH, supporting stable hybridization conditions.