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
------------------------
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Chicago, Illinois
August 23, 2001


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