Haemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome is totally lethal. Globin chain electrophoresis on mylar backed cellulose acetate strips, by a method modified from Ueda and Schneider has been established to demonstrate total absence of alpha chains in this syndrome. This simple test can identify fetuses, stillbirths and newborns with homozygous αo-thalassaemia. In this region where DNA studies are limited, and prenatal diagnosis is unavailable, this test which describes the phenotypic expression of Hb Bart's syndrome will improve genetic counselling of women at risk of homozygous αo-thalassaemia.