Since its inception over a century ago, The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology has been a world leader in pathology diagnosis, education, and research.  The AFIP is organized into 33 departments, many of which deal with a single organ system, such as the Departments of Dermatopathology, Genitourinary Pathology, and GYN/Breast Pathology.  A number of departments deal with larger, more encompassing disciplines like the Department of Infectious and Parastitic Diseases, the Department of Veternary Pathology, the Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, and the Center for Medical and Molecular Genetics. Through the American Registry of Pathology, a non-profit organization created by Congress in 1976,  civilian pathologists can access the world renowned expertise of the 126 pathologists on staff.  Revenue obtained through these consultation fees assists the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology to meet the challenges of its mission to promote the discovery, development, and transmission of knowledge concerning the etiology and pathogenesis of disease.

    We strive to provide you with the quickest service possible; presently, the combined departmental median turn-around time for the diagnosis of slides alone is 3.8 working days.  A five (5) working day turn-around time can be expected for those cases requiring additional blocks for special stains or immunohistochemistry.  For specimen which require special procedures (e.g., neuromuscular preparation, metabolic bone analysis), or preparation of gross specimen (e.g., the heart or eye), a somewhat longer turn-around time may be necessary.