Applying Toifer to the Field of Medicine
One of the forbidden Melachos of Shabbos is Tofeir, sewing, which has various applications in medical settings, such as labeling patient samples, stapling forms, or suturing wounds. The melacha of Tofeir is sourced from the sewing of the Yerios (the curtains that covered the Mishkan). The Rambam (Hilchos Shabbos 10:11) includes Hadbaka (joining via adhesion) as a Tolada (outgrowth) of Tofeir. Regarding other melachos, it is explicitly discussed whether a temporary act of that melacha is considered to transgress the melacha. For example, by the melacha of boneh (construction), even building something temporary is considered to transgress the melacha. However, by Kosher, tying, one only violates the Melacha if the knot is permanent. It is unclear if Tofeir L’Zman (temporary stitching) is included in the overall melacha of Teferia.
Attaching labels to a sample would be considered Tefira L’Zman, as the product will eventually be discarded. Rav Asher Weiss (Minchas Asher 2:39) advises avoiding labeling on Shabbos, but if necessary, one may rely on lenient opinions. Ideally, one would perform the action with a Shinuy to reduce its resemblance to the forbidden act. The same logic applies to a stapler. Tefira has other applications, which will be explored in a future article.
Adapted from medicalhalacha.org