LOVELAND, Colo. (April 17, 2025) – Banner McKee Medical Center in Loveland is proud to announce the recent installation of the MAGNETOM Sola 1.5T MRI machine, a cutting-edge imaging system developed to enhance diagnostic accuracy, patient comfort and efficiency. The Siemens Healthineers system was installed on March 14 and is now fully operational, marking a significant advancement in medical imaging technology for the region.
Performing approximately 60 MRI scans per week, McKee Medical Center is committed to delivering high-quality care through innovative technology. The MAGNETOM Sola 1.5T MRI is the only system of its kind at Banner Health in northern Colorado and supports a broad range of clinical applications. This includes imaging of the brain and spinal cord, joints and musculoskeletal system, abdomen, pelvis and breasts, oncology staging and metastasis screening.
“The key technological advancements are better image quality and faster scan times,” said Justin Armstrong, Banner Health medical imaging director. “Compared to our previous machine, we’re seeing scan times that are roughly 40% to 50% faster, with better image quality. We anticipate that most scans will only take 15 to 20 minutes. The improved image quality provides our radiologists with clearer, more detailed visuals to support accurate diagnoses.”
The MRI machine features BioMatrix technology, which adapts to each patient’s unique anatomy and physiology for more consistent imaging results. It also offers quiet scanning modes and a spacious design to reduce patient anxiety.
“Banner does a really good job of keeping up with the latest imaging equipment,” Armstrong said. “Upgrading to a larger magnet and achieving faster scan times along with better image quality were key priorities for us with this investment. Our goal is to bring more advanced imaging capabilities to northern Colorado to serve the community better and this state-of-the-art machine will help us achieve that.”
The total cost of the project to bring the new MRI machine to Loveland was about $3.4 million and was fully funded by the hospital. For more information about imaging services at Banner Health, visit www.bannerhealth.com/services/imaging.
Banner McKee Medical Center, opened in 1976, is a fully accredited, private nonprofit facility in Loveland, Colorado. McKee is owned by Banner Health, a nonprofit health care system with 33 hospitals in six states. It offers emergency care, cancer care, heart care, orthopedics, surgery, rehabilitation, intensive care, lab and medical imaging. For more information, please visit bannerhealth.com/mckee.
For further information contact us at: media@bannerhealth.com