Objective To evaluate the efficacy of linked color imaging (LCI) for the colorectal polyp detection, especially detection of adenoma. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the patients who underwent LCI or white light imaging(WLI) mode of LASEREO colonoscopy from May 2018 to March 2019.The differences of the detection rates in the global polyps, adenomatous polyps, flat polyps, small polyps (≤5 mm) and right-sided polyps under two modes were compared. Color differences between the adenomatous polyps and surrounding mucosa (ΔE) were examined under two modes, based on L*a*b* color space by the Commission Internationale de L""Eclairage in 1976. Results The global polyp detection rate, especially adenoma detection rate, in LCI group was higher than that in WLI group(45.53% VS 32.83%, P=0.038; 53.65% VS 39.62%, P=0.009).The color difference(ΔE) between adenomatous polyps and surrounding mucosa in LCI group was significantly higher than that in WLI group(27.24±8.67 VS 15.28±6.68, P<0.001). In addition, the detection rates of flat polyps, small polyps and right-sided polyps in LCI group were higher than those in WLI group (61.98% VS 47.17%, P=0.005; 60.94% VS 42.77%, P=0.001; 45.83% VS 32.70%, P=0.012). Conclusion LCI can effectively improve the colorectal polyp detection rate, especially adenoma detection rate, which is worthy of clinical application.