Abstract: Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS) has been widely used in microanalysis because of its high sensitivity, low detection limits, the determination of major, minor and trace elements in solids, as well as isotope-ratio measurements. This review aims to summarize recent developments in LA-ICP-MS based on the instrumental and fundamental aspects. Emphasis is placed on the developments of laser ablation for sample introduction to ICP-MS(nanosecond and femtosecond laser), calibration strategies, fraction effects and its applications of minor element, isotope and melt and fluid inclusions in geosciences. At the same time, the limitations and future developments of LA-ICP-MS microanalysis techniques are also discussed.