Intravascular catheters belong to the essential features of modern medical care. At the Cantonal Hospital, Basel, approximately 60,000 peripheral catheters are inserted annually. Not surprisingly, phlebitis and other complications are common in daily practice. Mortality due to bloodstream infections is higher than in any other nosocomial infection. More than 40% of these bloodstream infections are associated with central-venous catheters. An effective infection control program can prevent 20-40% of these infections. This review provides the background and tools for implementing strategies in hospitals in order to minimize the risks associated with intravascular catheters.