The present invention relates to a method for detecting a single stranded target polynucleotide. A combination is provided, which comprises (i) a medium suspected of containing said single stranded target polynucleotide, (ii) a first oligonucleotide probe and (iii) a second oligonucleotide probe. The first probe has a sequence P1 that is capable of hybridizing with a sequence PP1 of the second probe. The single stranded target polynucleotide has a sequence S1 that is capable of hybridizing to PP1 and a sequence S2 that is capable of hybridizing to a sequence PP2 of the second probe. The first probe is incapable of hybridizing to PP2 or the single stranded target polynucleotide. S1 and S2 or PP1 and PP2 are noncontiguous and one or both of the first probe and the second probe comprise members of a signal producing system. The binding of the single stranded target polynucleotide, if present, to the second probe alters a signal generated by the signal producing system. The combination is subjected to conditions under which the single stranded target polynucleotide, if present, hybridizes to the second probe and displaces the first probe. The signal is then detected. The present method may be used in conjunction with a method for amplifying a target polynucleotide or a plurality of different nucleotides. Kits for carrying out the above methods are also disclosed. The method is particularly applicable to the amplification and detection of RNA.