DVR supports the NIH intramural research program by operating a central animal diagnostic laboratory that receives laboratory animals and specimens for evaluation. The Diagnostic & Research Services Branch of DVR provides, manages and evaluates a wide variety of scientific services in the broad areas of veterinary pathology, and both clinical and molecular microbiology.

Services include bacteriology, mycoplasmology, serology, parasitology, necropsy, histopathology, electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and genetic monitoring.