Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3ASR (No. 333-200740) and Form S-8 (No. 333-102602, No. 333-90764, No. 333-97745, No. 333-115905, No. 333-150704, No. 333-181107 and No. 333-181108) of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings of our report dated February 29, 2016 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

February 29, 2016