<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the 1997 Stock Option Plan, 2000 Stock Purchase Plan and 2000
Nonemployee Directors Stock Option Plan of our report dated March 20, 2000 with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Cepheid as of December 31,
1998 and 1999 and for each of three years in the period December 31, 1999
included in its registration statement (Form S-1, No. 333-34340) and related
prospectus dated June 21, 2000 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Palo Alto, California
July 17, 2000
