EXHIBIT 24.1

                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in  Registration  Statements  No.
333-18547 on Form S-3 dated February 14, 1997. No. 333-827 on Form S-3 dated May
15, 1996, No. 33-89646 on Form S-8 dated February 21, 1995, No. 33-91840 on Form
S-3 dated July 21, 1995,  No.  33-86744 on Form S-3 dated December 13, 1994, No.
33-78590  on Form S-3  dated  June 20,  1994,  No.  33-74078  on Form S-3  dated
February 2, 1994, No. 33-71490 on Form S-8 dated November 11, 1993, No. 33-71596
on Form S-8 dated  November  11, 1993,  No.  33-49474 on Form S-8 dated July 10,
1992,  No.  33-48566 on Form S-3 dated June 25, 1992,  No.  33-15025 on Form S-8
dated June 29, 1987 and No.  33-10393 on Form S-8 dated December 16, 1986 of our
report  dated  February  21,  1997 with  respect to the  consolidated  financial
statements  and  schedule of EDITEK,  Inc.  included in the Annual  Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996.


   
                                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
    


Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 20, 1997