EXHIBIT 23.1





5     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the registration of 500,000 shares of Common Stock
pursuant to the Medical Action Industries Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan of
our report dated May 18, 2001, with respect to the financial statements of
Medical Action Industries Inc. incorporated by reference it is Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended March 31, 2001, and the related financial
statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.



                                               /s/ Grant Thornton LLP




Melville, New York
March 4, 2002