Exhibit 23.1
                                                                    ------------


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement on Form S-8 of our report dated
January 22, 2001 (except with respect to the matter discussed in Notes 2(j) and
8(b) as to which the date is March 5, 2001) included in Cytyc Corporation's Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and to all references to our Firm
included in this registration statement.


                                    /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
July 2, 2001