Data obtained from a previous prospective randomized study in cancer patients conducted at our institution were analyzed to investigate risk factors for catheter-related (CR) bloodstream infections (BSIs). Our recent analysis showed that the administration of blood products through central venous catheters was a risk factor for CR BSI, whereas thrombocytopenia during catheterization may have provided protection against CR BSI, as did central venous catheter insertion under maximal sterile barrier precautions