EXHIBIT 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (No. 333-72603) pertaining to the Employee Stock Plan of Quidel
Corporation of our report dated July 22, 1998 with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Metra Biosystems, Inc. for
the year ended June 30, 1998 incorporated by reference in this Current Report
on Form 8-K/A dated July 12, 1999 of Quidel Corporation.




                                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Palo Alto, California
August 12, 1999