Thromboxane B2 (TXB2) is a stable hydrolyzed product of unstable TXA2 which is derived from PGH2. PGH2 is synthesized from arachidonic acid through the cyclooxygenase pathway. It is a major product following platelet aggregation induced by a variety of agents such as thrombin and collagen. It is produced not only in platelets, but also in other cell types such as fibroblasts and macrophages. Quantitation of thromboxane formation can be made by determining the level of TXB2.

11-dehydro-Thromboxane B2 (11-dehydro-TXB2) is derived from TXB2 by the action of 11-dehydrogenase. It is one of the major metabolites of TXB2 in plasma and urine. Measurement of 11-dehydro-TXB2 in plasma represents an approach to the assessment of thromboxane formation in the human circulation.