If you create a sample meta field that is defined in the sample type, make sure that you specify the correct sampleTypeMetaID for it. In addition, the sampleDataType should be the same as defined in the sample type.

You can create a meta field that isn't defined by leaving the sampleTypeMetaID blank. This is not advisable though, and results in the meta field's value not to be searchable!

In case of a meta field with selectable value - data types CHECKBOX, COMBO and RADIO - make sure that you only specify the values that are listed in the sample type's optionValues property. In case of multiple selected values, separate each value with a comma.

If a meta field with the specified key already exists it is overwritten unless the value is unchanged; otherwise a new meta field is created. Note: the sampleMetaID is newly created on an overwrite.