Two in-house laboratory methods using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology were developed for rapid HCV detection using innovative enzyme systems that simplifies the three-stage reverse-transcription (Rt), PCR amplification and PCR product labelling method into a single step one-tube assay with consequential reduction in time and reagent costs. A low cost in-house multiplex Rt-PCR assay was also developed for HCV genotyping and compared with the expensive commercial Line-probe assay. Both assays showed sensitivities comparable to commersial assay but at one third of the cost. HCV genotyping is important for selection of patients targetted for interferon treatment.