EXHIBIT 23.1 ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our reports dated March 10, 1997 included (or incorporated by reference) in Packard BioScience Company's Prospectus, as amended (Registration No. 333-24001) for the year ended December 31, 1996 and to all references to our firm included in this registration statement. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP Hartford, Connecticut November 20, 1997