Exhibit 23.1

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

         As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our reports dated
January 15, 2001 included in the Abbott Laboratories Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2000 and to all references to our Firm included
in this registration statement.

/s/ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
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ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Chicago, Illinois
January 9, 2002