A method of analysing a sample in the form of a droplet provided on a sample-receiving surface includes providing a light source and a detector in a housing, positioning said sample-receiving surface in or on the housing, and focussing an incident beam of light to a focal point in the vicinity of the sample. Light is detected from the sample resulting from an interaction with the sample, the sample-receiving surface, or the atmosphere surrounding the sample. At least one parameter of the detected light is measured, and the sample-receiving surface is translated relative to the housing such that the focal point is at a different region of the sample, the sample-receiving surface, or the atmosphere surrounding the sample. The step of measuring one or more parameters of the detected light is repeated following the translating step.