Quick Facts
- Sample: Random urine sample
- Fasting: Not required
- Turnaround: 9-12 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Non-invasive testing - Uses a simple urine sample instead of blood collection
- Aspirin response assessment - Helps evaluate the biological effect of aspirin therapy
- Convenient collection - Random urine sample with no fasting required
- Cardiovascular insight - Measures a marker associated with platelet activation
- Treatment monitoring - May help assess response to aspirin-based antiplatelet therapy
- Clinical-grade testing - Performed using established laboratory methodology
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals taking daily aspirin therapy
- Patients whose healthcare provider wants to evaluate aspirin effect
- People with cardiovascular risk factors being monitored by their physician
- Individuals with a history of coronary, peripheral vascular, or cerebrovascular disease
- Patients receiving antiplatelet therapy as part of a cardiovascular treatment plan
- Those seeking additional information about platelet activity and thromboxane production
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and receive a lab requisition form
- Visit a lab - Provide a urine sample at a participating collection site
- Get results - Receive secure digital results within 9-12 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test measures urinary 11-Dehydro Thromboxane B2 (11dhTxB2), a stable metabolite of thromboxane A2. Thromboxane A2 is involved in platelet activation and blood clot formation.
Why is this test called AspirinWorks®? The AspirinWorks® test is designed to help evaluate the biological effect of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA) by measuring urinary thromboxane metabolites. Lower levels are generally associated with aspirin's expected platelet-suppressing effects.
Do I need to fast before testing? No. Fasting is not required for this test.
Can medications or supplements affect my results? Yes. Certain medications and supplements may influence thromboxane production, including ibuprofen, COX-2 inhibitors, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea extract, alcohol, and chocolate. Discuss all medications and supplements with your healthcare provider when interpreting results.
Is this test used to diagnose heart disease? No. This test is not intended to diagnose cardiovascular disease. It is designed to assess urinary levels of 11dhTxB2 and aid in evaluating aspirin effect. Results should always be interpreted in the context of a patient's medical history and other clinical findings.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The AspirinWorks® (11-Dehydro Thromboxane B2) test measures urinary levels of 11dhTxB2, a stable breakdown product of thromboxane A2 (TxA2). Activated platelets produce thromboxane A2, which promotes platelet aggregation and blood vessel constriction. Because thromboxane A2 is rapidly broken down in the body, direct measurement is difficult. Instead, laboratories measure 11dhTxB2 in urine as an indicator of thromboxane production and platelet activity.
This test is primarily used to help evaluate the effect of aspirin therapy in apparently healthy individuals following aspirin ingestion. Aspirin works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) activity, which reduces thromboxane production and platelet activation.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals taking aspirin as part of a cardiovascular prevention or treatment strategy may benefit from this test when their healthcare provider wants additional information about aspirin's biological effect.
The test may also be useful for patients with cardiovascular risk factors or a history of cardiovascular disease who are undergoing clinical monitoring. Healthcare providers may use the results as one component of a broader cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment strategy.
When should I order this test?
This test may be appropriate when your healthcare provider wants to evaluate aspirin effect or assess a marker of platelet activation. It may also be ordered during ongoing cardiovascular management to provide additional information about thromboxane production.
Because many factors can influence thromboxane levels, results should always be reviewed in conjunction with medical history, medications, supplements, and other laboratory findings.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as picograms of 11dhTxB2 per milligram of creatinine (pg/mg creatinine).
Patients on Aspirin Therapy
- ≤1,500 pg/mg creatinine
- Consistent with a healthy population responsive to aspirin
- >1,500 pg/mg creatinine
- May suggest an inadequate response to aspirin therapy
- Falls within the range commonly seen in individuals not receiving aspirin therapy
Interpretation can be affected by factors beyond platelet activity. Certain immune cells, including monocytes and macrophages, may continue producing thromboxane-related compounds even after platelet cyclooxygenase has been inhibited by aspirin.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation of your individual results.
Pre-Test Preparation
No fasting is required.
Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, over-the-counter products, and dietary supplements you are taking. Certain substances may affect thromboxane production and influence results.
This test is not recommended for individuals with active urinary tract infections, severe liver disease, or end-stage renal disease.
How Often Should I Get Tested?
- Baseline assessment: As recommended by your healthcare provider
- Aspirin therapy monitoring: As clinically indicated
- Cardiovascular treatment follow-up: As recommended by your physician
- Ongoing risk assessment: Based on individual medical needs
Why Monitoring Matters
Platelet activation plays an important role in blood clot formation and cardiovascular health. Measuring urinary 11dhTxB2 provides insight into thromboxane production, a marker associated with platelet activity.
For individuals taking aspirin therapy, monitoring thromboxane-related biomarkers may provide additional information about treatment response and help guide discussions with healthcare providers regarding ongoing cardiovascular management.
Related Tests You May Consider
hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein) - Measures low-grade inflammation associated with cardiovascular risk.
Homocysteine Blood Test - Evaluates an amino acid linked to cardiovascular health.
Fibrinogen Activity Test - Measures a key protein involved in blood clot formation and cardiovascular risk assessment.
