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HAEMOLYTIC reactions following the ingestion of drugs such as primaquine and the broad bean (Vicia faba) have been shown to be due to an inherited abnormality of the erythrocytes which can be detected by an in vitro glutathione stability test devised by Beutler1. The use of this test in surveys has established that the incidence of the defect varies with peoples and race. American Negroes, Sephardic Jews and Sardinians have a much higher incidence of sensitive individuals than Ashkenazic Jews or American Caucasians. Beutler has recently reviewed the subject2. Many cases of favism have been seen locally during the past few years, and it was reasonable to assume that a survey of the glutathione stability of the erythrocytes in Iranians would show the presence of the abnormality in this area.