[LETTERHEAD OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP]
 
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
The Board of Directors National Health Laboratories Holdings Inc.:
   
  We consent to the use of our reports incorporated herein by reference and to
the references to our firm under the headings "Selected Historical and Pro
Forma Condensed Combined Consolidated Financial Data" and "Experts" in the
proxy statement/prospectus and related resale prospectus.     
 
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
   
San Diego, California 
March 31, 1995