Urinary tract infections are the third most common infection among humans and the second reason why antibiotics are prescribed. Urine cultures are the culture most commonly requested to microbiology laboratories and this test remains as the gold standard for diagnosis. This review article includes aspects such as aetiology of the infection and issues related with empiric antimicrobials use to treat community acquired urinary tract infections. In addition, basic laboratory tests that support diagnosis of urinary tract infections are analyzed; it is also described aspects related with urine culture, since when this study is indicated until the final report and interpretation of results, in order to promote rational use of antibiotics. Thus, besides of help to reduce collateral effects of antibiotic use, it also improves cost-benefit of diagnosis-treatment process, and the most important, to recover patient’s health.