Blog

Getting Financed as Self-Employed

Published

4 years ago

March 26, 2020

Self-employment can be an incredibly tempting career path for so many reasons. Being your own boss is particularly freeing and having the flexibility to work when you want to work can have a dramatic effect on the work-life balance that can otherwise be so difficult to achieve.

However, aside from the lack of paid holiday and sick leave, the one thing often holding people back from pulling the trigger and striking out on their own is the lack of capital. Because often, starting a self-employed business requires investment. That’s where different types of self-employed loans come in.

Self-employed loans

You might think that getting a loan as a self-employed individual could be a challenge, however, whilst lenders have indeed become more picky about who they lend to since the financial crisis, it is possible for the self-employed to find lenders willing to give them loans. Though their options might be limited unless they have a good credit history. We’ll go through the options below:

Personal loan – A loan you can take without securing the amount to any physical assets, though you will need a decent credit score.

Secured loan – A secured loan secures your home’s equity against the cost of the loan and might be the simpler option if you work from home. Rates are also often lower.

Guarantor loan – This is where you get a friend or family member with a good credit score to shoulder some of the responsibility of the loan, though be aware that rates tend to be higher.

Car finance loans – Lenders such as Go Car Credit will allow vehicle loans for those with a low credit score who need a car. These lenders will use less restrictive criteria with varying rates.

Business loan – If your self-employed business is a little larger and you employ other workers, then you might be entitled to a business loan.

How to apply

It’s just like applying for any other loan. Simply follow the steps below:

Compile all of your financial documents, including your tax returns for the last few years (if you have them to hand) and your bank statements. This will allow the lender to more accurately assess your eligibility. You will also need proof of identification, proof of address (utility bills will suffice) and any business information, including details of anyone else with a financial interest in the company.
The lender will then undertake a thorough check of your credit score and match it against the documents you’ve provided. They will then be able to offer you several different loans.
It’s now up to you to work with the lender and figure out the deal that best suits your needs.

Blog

Applications of Automation in Research and Clinical Diagnostics

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2024

Rosario Farell

Precision counts in the fields of science and medicine. This is particularly true for the basic task of counting and analyzing cells, which is used in both clinical and research settings. The introduction of automatic cell counters, which provide efficiency and accuracy that manual approaches cannot match, has resulted in a notable advancement in this field.

What is Automated Cell Counting?

Automated cell counters are advanced instruments that are made to precisely and swiftly count and examine cells. In contrast to manual counting methods that rely on human vision and a microscope, automated counters use software algorithms and image technology to count and analyze cells. This ensures more accurate findings by expediting the procedure and lowering the possibility of human error.

Type of Automated Cell Counters

There are several types of automated cell counters used in research and clinical diagnostics, each employing different technologies and methods for cell counting. The main types of automated cell counters include:

● Image Cytometers: These devices use optical microscopy to statically image cells, which are frequently labeled to detect certain molecules or provide contrast. Cell counting is aided by the automation of image cytometers made possible by digital cameras.

● Flow Cytometers: Use a regulated flow of suspended cells to align individual cells for analysis. Staining cells with fluorochromes enables visual characterization of the cells and facilitates high-throughput analysis.

● Cell Sorters: Arrange cells according to their electrical properties. Sorting is accomplished by dividing the fluid stream containing the cells into droplets whose electrical charge varies according to the kind of cell and guiding them into various containers.

● Time-Lapse Cytometers: Allow for continuous monitoring of cells in an incubator by employing non-heat-generating light sources, such as LEDs, in conjunction with image cytometry to investigate cellular dynamics without causing damage to living cells.

● Hemocytometers: A qualified technician, an optical microscope, and a gridded slide with known volume wells are used in this manual cell counting approach. Up until the 1950s, hemocytometers were the norm for counting cells.

These various types of automated cell counters provide effective and precise methods for cell counting and analysis, each with unique benefits and uses in clinical and research environments.

Research

Automated cell counters have become indispensable tools in understanding cell behavior. They are used in various research fields, including cancer research, drug discovery, and stem cell therapy.

One of the key benefits in research is the ability to handle large volumes of data. For instance, in drug discovery, automated counters can quickly analyze the effects of thousands of compounds on cell growth and death. This high-throughput capability accelerates the pace of research, allowing scientists to screen potential drugs more efficiently than ever before.

Moreover, automated cell counters offer the precision required to detect subtle changes in cell populations. This is crucial in fields like cancer research, where understanding the behavior of cancer cells can lead to the development of more effective treatments.

Clinical Diagnostics

The impact of automated cell counters extends beyond the research laboratory and into clinical diagnostics. In medical laboratories, these devices play a critical role in routine blood tests, infectious disease diagnostics, and monitoring patient health during treatment.

For example, in a routine complete blood count (CBC), automated cell counters can quickly provide a detailed analysis of different blood cell types. This information is vital for diagnosing conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood cancers. The speed and accuracy of automated counters mean that patients can receive diagnoses and begin treatment more swiftly.

In the context of infectious diseases, automated counters can detect and quantify specific pathogens or immune cells, helping to diagnose infections quickly and accurately. During the COVID-19 pandemic, automated cell counting technologies were instrumental in monitoring virus spread and patients’ immune responses, showcasing their value in crisis situations.

Challenges and Future Directions

The initial cost of these devices can be high, and their operation requires specific technical expertise. Additionally, different types of cells and conditions may require customized counting protocols, necessitating ongoing adjustments and updates to software algorithms.

Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in technology promise to further enhance the capabilities of automated cell counters. The global cell counting market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2032. Innovations in imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are expected to improve accuracy, speed, and the ability to analyze more complex cell characteristics. As these technologies evolve, automated cell counters will become even more integral to research and diagnostics, opening new avenues for scientific discovery and patient care.