PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the distinction between catheter-related and catheter-associated infections and to report the recent advances in the methods used for their diagnosis. RECENT FINDINGS: The distinction between device-associated and device-related infections affects the effective benchmarking of the rates of both types of infection. Numerous microbiological methods have been described to diagnose these infections. Studies comparing the performance of microbiological methods that avoid the removal of the intravascular device have recently suggested that they may be effective in daily life. SUMMARY: The present review summarizes recent advances in the methods currently available to diagnose intravascular catheter-related infections and their performance at the bedside.