QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

        We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Amended and Restated Biosite Incorporated 2002 Nonqualified Stock Incentive Plan of our report dated January 23, 2003, with respect to the financial statements and schedule of Biosite Incorporated included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
December 8, 2003

QuickLinks

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS