The technique is achieved by performing IVF; embryos are cultured and grow in laboratory for three (3) days to an eight cell stage. At this time, a small opening is made in the zona pellucida (human eggshell); one of the cells of embryo (blastomere) is gently removed by a suction micropipette Please see the following figures for the sequence of embryo blasomere biopsy.

The removed cell is then fixed to a slide and sent for genetic analysis. At present, it is possible to test for certain common chromosomal disorders (e.g., chromosomes 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 21) as well as gender determination (chromosome X or Y). Other genetic tests for herniary genetic diseases and gender selection are also available.

It takes about 24 - 48 hours to obtain the diagnosis while the embryo is still maintained in a culture dish. When the embryo is confirmed free of genetic diseases, the embryo is then transferred to the uterus.