A laser ablation probe comprises a tubular element adapted for conducting a carrier fluid in a substantially laminar flow. The tubular element comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet arranged at opposite end portions of the tubular element for enabling the carrier fluid to flow through the tubular element. The tubular element further comprises a central portion having an aperture defined therein for admitting an aerosol generated by laser ablation from a material sample into the carrier fluid flow when this sample is positioned outside the tubular element at a distance in the range of 0 μm to 100 μm from the aperture.