Exhibit 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



As independent  public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the  incorporation by
reference of our report dated  February 23, 1999,  incorporated  by reference in
DIANON Systems,  Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, into the
previously file  Registration  Statements  Nos.  33-41226,  33-94176,  33-94178,
33-43673 and 333-18817.





                                      ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Stamford, Connecticut
March 19, 1999