1 EXHIBIT 23.6 CONSENT OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP, INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on Form S-4 of our report dated August 8, 2001, included in Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc.'s Prospectus and to all reference to our Firm included in this registration statement. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Boston, Massachusetts August 8, 2001