The present invention provides methods kits and systems for performing multiple displacement amplification reactions. In one method a sample of nucleic acid is provided. The nucleic acid is contacted with a reaction mixture which includes a set of oligonucleotide primers, a one or more polymerase enzymes and a detergent. The reaction mixture is then subjected to conditions under which the nucleic acid sequence is amplified to produce an amplified product in a multiple displacement reaction. The method may also be carried out by contacting the nucleic acid with the reaction mixture in the form of an emulsion. A kit is also provided for carrying out either the methods described above. The kit includes one or more polymerases, a plurality of primers and a detergent. The kit may also include a hydrophobic polymer and may include instructions for performing a multiple displacement amplification reaction on a nucleic acid sample.