OBJECTIVES: Bloodstream infections related to insertion and use of central venous catheters (CVC) are dangerous and possibly deathly risk of nosocomial complications. Our goal was to examine the place of CVC insertion, nursing care tasks of supporting CVCs and the prevalence of related infections in the context of extrinsic risk factors.  METHODS: A retrospective, quantitative study was made involving the adult and pediatric ICU-s, dialysis center and oncology department of the University of Pécs. 122 adults and 40 children having CVC were selected through professional sampling into the target group (N=162). Document-analysis involved social-demographic data and CVC infection influencing factors. Descriptive statistics completed with T-test and χtest (p<0.05) were used to analyze the data by SPSS 17 software. RESULTS: Preferred place for insertion was the femoral vein (57.5%) in children and internal jugular vein (59.5%) in adults. CVC care days were ±4.7 at children and 9.9±1.2 at adult patients (p=0.001). During the treatment period, blood sampling numbers were 17.45±2.1 at children and 8±1.3 at adults (p<0.05). Infection rate was approximately 2 times higher when non-transparent coverings were used (p=0.044). Daily change of gauze coverings showed increased risk of infection. There’s no significant correlation between infection and parenteral feeding (p=0.89), frequency of changing the CVC cap (p=0.20), type of solution used for closing (p=0.24) and number of blood sampling made (p=0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations for locating ideal CVC insertion place should avoid femoral vein at adults and routine cannula exchange. Clorhexidin-gluconate alcoholic solution – in higher than 0.5% concentrate – should be used for patient skin disinfection to reach better safety.