<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF QUIDEL'S FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 3,902
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 9,360
<ALLOWANCES> 1,527
<INVENTORY> 9,138
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 22,194
<PP&E> 41,113
<DEPRECIATION> 20,347
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 62,741
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 9,293
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 25
<OTHER-SE> 43,047
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 62,741
<SALES> 49,497
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 50,406
<CGS> 25,976
<TOTAL-COSTS> 52,442
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 364
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 899
<INCOME-PRETAX> (3,299)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (3,299)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (3,299)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.13)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.13)
</TABLE>