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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.2


              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-xxxx) pertaining to the Meridian
Medical Technologies, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated September 8, 2000, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Meridian
Medical Technologies, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended July 31, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                     /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

McLean, VA
January 25, 2001