EXHIBIT 23.1



               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
Forms S-8 Nos. 333-21537 and 333-59701 pertaining to the Employee Stock Purchase
Plan and Nos. 333-26763, 333-59705 and 333-83429 pertaining to the Amended and
Restated 1996 Stock Incentive Plan of Biosite Diagnostics Incorporated of our
report dated January 19, 2001, with respect to the financial statements and
schedule of Biosite Diagnostics, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K)
for the year ended December 31, 2000.




                                                     ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
March 27, 2001