EXHIBIT 5.1



                       (BASS, BERRY & SIMS PLC LETTERHEAD)




                                   May 9, 2002

Luminex Corporation
12212 Technology Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78727

         Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as your counsel in the preparation of the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement") relating to the Luminex
Corporation 2001 Broad-Based Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") filed by you with
the Securities and Exchange Commission covering an aggregate of 1,463,333 shares
(the "Shares") of common stock, $.001 par value, issuable pursuant to the Plan.

         In so acting we have examined and relied upon such records, documents,
and other instruments as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate in order
to express the opinions hereinafter set forth and have assumed the genuineness
of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as
originals, and the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted
to us as certified or photostatic copies.

         Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares, when
issued pursuant to and in accordance with the Plan, will be validly issued,
fully paid, and non-assessable.

         We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.




                                                Very truly yours,



                                                /s/ Bass, Berry & Sims PLC