Adenoma detection rate (ADR)
The updated minimum overall performance threshold for eligible outpatient colonoscopies in adults 45+, with defined exclusions. ADR is a core measure of how often conventional adenomas are detected.
Quality guide
A colonoscopy is not just “done” or “not done.” Quality matters.
Current ASGE/ACG quality indicators give patients concrete topics to ask about without trying to grade an individual doctor from one number.
2024 ASGE/ACG quality indicators≥35% ≥95% ≥90% ≥8 min
Four numbers worth understanding
Cecal intubation rate
A measure of how often the colonoscope reaches the beginning of the colon, supporting a complete examination.
Adequate bowel preparation
Endoscopists and units should achieve adequate bowel cleansing in at least this proportion of outpatient examinations.
Average withdrawal time
The 2024 update recommends a minimum average withdrawal time of at least eight minutes in normal colonoscopies for persons age 45+.
These are professional quality indicators with specific definitions and exclusions. They are not a consumer scorecard and should not be applied casually to a single procedure.
Questions to ask
Use quality measures as a conversation starter.
Do not use older benchmarks blindly. Some older patient pages still show earlier ADR and withdrawal-time thresholds. The 2024 ASGE/ACG update raised the overall ADR threshold to 35% and the recommended minimum average withdrawal time in normal exams to 8 minutes.
Evidence
Primary sources for this page
ASGE / ACG2024 quality indicators updateASGEQuality and Safety resourcesASGEBefore a colonoscopy — questions for patients
Medical content reviewed against these sources on September 5, 2026. External clinician review is still recommended before broad public promotion.