Sterile state (7)
I believe the answer is:
asepsis
'sterile state' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for asepsis that I've seen before include "exclusion of micro-organisms" , "germ-free state" , "freedom from germs" , "Given freedom from infection" , "Absence of viruses and other microorganisms" .)