<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF QUIDEL'S FORM 10-Q FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2000, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START>                              JAN-1-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-2000
<CASH>                                           6,396
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   14,272
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,502
<INVENTORY>                                      8,636
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                28,868
<PP&E>                                          39,724
<DEPRECIATION>                                  18,382
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  70,440
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           11,917
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            24
<OTHER-SE>                                      47,079
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    70,440
<SALES>                                         22,068
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                22,397
<CGS>                                           10,691
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   20,071
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  65
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  1,920
<INCOME-TAX>                                       768
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,152
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,152
<EPS-BASIC>                                        .05
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .04