Merrer 2001.

Methods	Allocation: Randomized, randomization was performed in blocks of 6, a computer generated random‐numbers table. Blinding: All caregivers and other research personnel were blinded to the randomization. Duration (mean (SD), d): Femoral group: 9.3 (6.2), Subclavian Group:11.0 (6.3).
Participants	Diagnosis: Patients admitted to ICU, older than 18 years, undergo first central venous catheterization. N=289. Age (mean (SD), y): Femoral group 60.1 (17.3), Subclavian 61.9 (17). Sex: F 97, M 192. Setting: 8 intensive care units (ICUs) in France.
Interventions	Femoral site insertion (n=145). Subclavian site insertion (n=144).
Outcomes	Catheter‐related infectious complications: colonization with or without sepsis, Major infectious complication. Catheter‐related thrombotic complications. Mechanical complications. Leaving the study early.
Notes	Only data of catheter colonization and CRBSI used in the outcome of catheter‐related infectious complications in this review.
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Random sequence generation (selection bias)	Low risk	Randomization was performed in blocks of 6, by means of a computer generated random‐numbers table.
Allocation concealment (selection bias)	Low risk	The trial was concealed in that the site of insertion was given by telephone to the investigators from the central randomization centre.
Blinding of participants and personnel (performance bias) All outcomes	Unclear risk	No description.
Blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias) All outcomes	Low risk	All caregivers and other research personnel were blinded to the randomization schedule and the block size.
Incomplete outcome data (attrition bias) All outcomes	Low risk	Description of reasons why terminated.
Selective reporting (reporting bias)	Low risk	Reported all data.
Other bias	Unclear risk	No description.