<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 SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-2000
<CASH>                                           3,902
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    9,360
<ALLOWANCES>                                     1,527
<INVENTORY>                                      9,138
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                22,194
<PP&E>                                          41,113
<DEPRECIATION>                                  20,347
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  62,741
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            9,293
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            25
<OTHER-SE>                                      43,047
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    62,741
<SALES>                                         49,497
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                50,406
<CGS>                                           25,976
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   52,442
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   364
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 899
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (3,299)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (3,299)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (3,299)
<EPS-BASIC>                                     (0.13)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.13)