EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.: As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our reports dated February 3, 1997 (except with respect to the matters discussed in Note 9 as to which the date is March 26, 1997) (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this Registration Statement and related Prospectus of Thermedics Detection Inc. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Boston, Massachusetts July 23, 1997