sampleId

Sampleid is a unique identifier assigned to an individual sample within a study, laboratory workflow, or data repository. It functions as the primary key that links experimental measurements, metadata, storage information, and results to a physical or biological specimen. The exact format of a sampleid varies by project and system; common implementations include simple numeric counters, alphanumeric codes with prefixes such as SMP- or SMPID-, or globally unique identifiers like UUIDs. Some databases enforce uniqueness and format validation to prevent duplicates.

In practice, sampleid is used across data management and bioinformatics pipelines. In LIMS and data repositories, it serves as a stable anchor for sample-level records, including collection date, material type, donor or source, processing steps, and storage location. In sequencing studies, sample IDs are linked to library preparations, runs, and accession records. Different schemas may store it as sample_id, sampleid, or an equivalent field name, and case sensitivity may vary.

Best practices include ensuring global uniqueness within a project or repository, maintaining a clear mapping to the physical source, documenting provenance and versioning, and using persistent or semi-persistent identifiers when possible. When involving human subjects or sensitive material, care should be taken to minimize exposure of identifying information and to comply with privacy regulations. Related concepts include accession numbers, donor IDs, and metadata standards such as MIxS, ISA-Tab, and related data models.